Former Sales Manager Pleads Guilty to Foreign Bribery
Jald Jensen faces up to five years in prison after admitting to funneling bribes to secure international business contracts.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Jald Jensen, 73, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act after being extradited from Panama to the United States. He admitted to using a shell company to funnel bribe payments to foreign officials while working as a regional sales manager.
Why it matters
The guilty plea marks the conclusion of a long-running investigation into bribery schemes used to secure contracts for BizJet International Sales and Support Inc. The case highlights federal efforts to prosecute individuals involved in international corruption long after the initial scheme took place.
Jald Jensen faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison following his guilty plea to conspiracy charges. The court will determine his specific sentencing during a future hearing scheduled for 2027.
The players
Jald Jensen
He is a former regional sales manager at BizJet International Sales and Support Inc. who was recently extradited from Panama.
BizJet International Sales and Support Inc.
This company is an aerospace corporation that faced federal scrutiny and penalties for its role in foreign bribery schemes.
Bernd Kowalewski
He is a former associate of Jensen who previously pleaded guilty to bribery charges in the same investigation.
Peter Dubois
He is an individual who pleaded guilty to his involvement in the bribery scheme between 2012 and 2013.
Neal Uhl
He is a co-conspirator who pleaded guilty to his role in the bribery operation alongside other company officials.
The details
Jensen utilized a shell entity called Avionica International & Associates Inc. to hide bribe payments to foreign officials between 2004 and 2010. These payments were funneled through various U.S. bank accounts to maintain business contracts for his employer, BizJet International Sales and Support Inc.
Timeline
2004-2010: Jensen served as a regional sales manager and engaged in the bribery scheme.
2012: BizJet entered a deferred prosecution agreement and paid an $11.8 million penalty.
2012-2013: Three of Jensen's co-conspirators pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme.
September 2026: Jensen was extradited from Panama to the United States.
October 30, 2026: Jensen entered a guilty plea to bribery conspiracy charges.
Legal Context
The prosecution of Jensen follows the enforcement precedents established under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. This case marks a continuation of the federal government's long-term strategy to hold individual corporate actors accountable for international bribery schemes.
While the case primarily concerns corporate conduct, the legal proceedings reinforce federal oversight of international business practices involving U.S. entities. Residents can monitor court filings for information regarding the upcoming 2027 sentencing date.
The takeaway
This case demonstrates that federal authorities continue to pursue individuals for corruption years after initial corporate agreements are finalized. Companies and managers must maintain strict compliance with anti-bribery laws to avoid long-term legal consequences.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing prosecutions, visit Financial Crime.
More information
Learn more about federal oversight through the Justice Department FCPA enforcement efforts.
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