Professional relationship with close friend, who may be acting illegally

The name of the pictureThe name of the pictureThe name of the pictureClash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP





.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;







up vote
0
down vote

favorite












It is not my main job, but as way to increase my knowledge in a different field, when I was asked by a close friend to assist him in his business of selling consumers products (he promised me some money under the table as well, but for me the important factor to accept was the experience to be gained).



Although for me it was difficult to adjust in this new field and develop the methodology to work, I initially managed to check his suggested new products as regards safety for the general public.
The concept of my work was that my friend is to prepare a recipe and myself to check for its safety for use from the general public.



My friend did not want to wait for me to finish all the required documents in order for him to release the new products to the market, and so he released the products (it is illegal as my documents are supposed to submitted to a specific poison centre before any release and all safety documents need to be ready before release) without asking my opinion.



When I tried to finish all the work, I understood (unfortunately I picked it up late in the last phase when I was scrutinizing the work to be submitted) that some of his recipes had a similar component repeated under different trade names and produced using different methods and raw materials of production (but it is registered under the same number). Under the rules (actual legislation) that I am supposed to follow, that component is the same and in the particular case is in excess (as is repeated under different names), and the product is not supposed to be released as is (it would require a different label and other type of registrations).



I suggested to my friend to change the recipe, I even suggested him other raw materials and “mixology”, but he told me it is too late as they are released. He seems reluctant to address the problem this week.



Probably I will be asked to submit the documents with manipulated data that would render the products safe as is. I am inclined to deny and stop all relevant work, as it seems unprofessional for me to prepare documents for products that eventually could harm people because of wrong labeling.



How would you suggest to handle the professional relationship with my friend?










share|improve this question





























    up vote
    0
    down vote

    favorite












    It is not my main job, but as way to increase my knowledge in a different field, when I was asked by a close friend to assist him in his business of selling consumers products (he promised me some money under the table as well, but for me the important factor to accept was the experience to be gained).



    Although for me it was difficult to adjust in this new field and develop the methodology to work, I initially managed to check his suggested new products as regards safety for the general public.
    The concept of my work was that my friend is to prepare a recipe and myself to check for its safety for use from the general public.



    My friend did not want to wait for me to finish all the required documents in order for him to release the new products to the market, and so he released the products (it is illegal as my documents are supposed to submitted to a specific poison centre before any release and all safety documents need to be ready before release) without asking my opinion.



    When I tried to finish all the work, I understood (unfortunately I picked it up late in the last phase when I was scrutinizing the work to be submitted) that some of his recipes had a similar component repeated under different trade names and produced using different methods and raw materials of production (but it is registered under the same number). Under the rules (actual legislation) that I am supposed to follow, that component is the same and in the particular case is in excess (as is repeated under different names), and the product is not supposed to be released as is (it would require a different label and other type of registrations).



    I suggested to my friend to change the recipe, I even suggested him other raw materials and “mixology”, but he told me it is too late as they are released. He seems reluctant to address the problem this week.



    Probably I will be asked to submit the documents with manipulated data that would render the products safe as is. I am inclined to deny and stop all relevant work, as it seems unprofessional for me to prepare documents for products that eventually could harm people because of wrong labeling.



    How would you suggest to handle the professional relationship with my friend?










    share|improve this question

























      up vote
      0
      down vote

      favorite









      up vote
      0
      down vote

      favorite











      It is not my main job, but as way to increase my knowledge in a different field, when I was asked by a close friend to assist him in his business of selling consumers products (he promised me some money under the table as well, but for me the important factor to accept was the experience to be gained).



      Although for me it was difficult to adjust in this new field and develop the methodology to work, I initially managed to check his suggested new products as regards safety for the general public.
      The concept of my work was that my friend is to prepare a recipe and myself to check for its safety for use from the general public.



      My friend did not want to wait for me to finish all the required documents in order for him to release the new products to the market, and so he released the products (it is illegal as my documents are supposed to submitted to a specific poison centre before any release and all safety documents need to be ready before release) without asking my opinion.



      When I tried to finish all the work, I understood (unfortunately I picked it up late in the last phase when I was scrutinizing the work to be submitted) that some of his recipes had a similar component repeated under different trade names and produced using different methods and raw materials of production (but it is registered under the same number). Under the rules (actual legislation) that I am supposed to follow, that component is the same and in the particular case is in excess (as is repeated under different names), and the product is not supposed to be released as is (it would require a different label and other type of registrations).



      I suggested to my friend to change the recipe, I even suggested him other raw materials and “mixology”, but he told me it is too late as they are released. He seems reluctant to address the problem this week.



      Probably I will be asked to submit the documents with manipulated data that would render the products safe as is. I am inclined to deny and stop all relevant work, as it seems unprofessional for me to prepare documents for products that eventually could harm people because of wrong labeling.



      How would you suggest to handle the professional relationship with my friend?










      share|improve this question















      It is not my main job, but as way to increase my knowledge in a different field, when I was asked by a close friend to assist him in his business of selling consumers products (he promised me some money under the table as well, but for me the important factor to accept was the experience to be gained).



      Although for me it was difficult to adjust in this new field and develop the methodology to work, I initially managed to check his suggested new products as regards safety for the general public.
      The concept of my work was that my friend is to prepare a recipe and myself to check for its safety for use from the general public.



      My friend did not want to wait for me to finish all the required documents in order for him to release the new products to the market, and so he released the products (it is illegal as my documents are supposed to submitted to a specific poison centre before any release and all safety documents need to be ready before release) without asking my opinion.



      When I tried to finish all the work, I understood (unfortunately I picked it up late in the last phase when I was scrutinizing the work to be submitted) that some of his recipes had a similar component repeated under different trade names and produced using different methods and raw materials of production (but it is registered under the same number). Under the rules (actual legislation) that I am supposed to follow, that component is the same and in the particular case is in excess (as is repeated under different names), and the product is not supposed to be released as is (it would require a different label and other type of registrations).



      I suggested to my friend to change the recipe, I even suggested him other raw materials and “mixology”, but he told me it is too late as they are released. He seems reluctant to address the problem this week.



      Probably I will be asked to submit the documents with manipulated data that would render the products safe as is. I am inclined to deny and stop all relevant work, as it seems unprofessional for me to prepare documents for products that eventually could harm people because of wrong labeling.



      How would you suggest to handle the professional relationship with my friend?







      professionalism legal






      share|improve this question















      share|improve this question













      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question








      edited 2 mins ago









      Time4Tea

      2,1193719




      2,1193719










      asked 28 mins ago









      Ge Peace

      1558




      1558




















          2 Answers
          2






          active

          oldest

          votes

















          up vote
          0
          down vote













          Most companies now have a compliance team or a speakup forum where you could submit this case anonymously. Also, companies appreciate integrity and general concern for consumer health. If your company has a non-retaliation policy towards whistleblowers i would try and find that forum and speak anonymously.



          Your situation is dire as it concerns not just your career prospects but the general wellbeing of your customers. Company will appreciate if you post the problem with a solution. How many units have been released and is there a risk management team which usually takes care of faulty products and can ask the customers to return this batch? If you could provide such details as a solution i believe that would be the right thing to do both professionally and morally.



          Hope this helps.





          share








          New contributor




          Bombaybard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.
























            up vote
            0
            down vote













            I am not a Lawyer and I am not qualified to provide legal advice, but:



            If you know or suspect that your friend is acting illegally, the first thing I would do is make it very clear to them that you are terminating this working relationship immediately and that you will not be providing any further assistance in this area. I would do this verbally at first (as putting anything in writing could incriminate yourself) and then consult a lawyer asap.



            I think it is also important to consult a lawyer that has experience in this area, because you may have already incurred some level of legal liability on your part if you have a) been involved in doing something illegal and/or b) have knowledge that your friend has done something illegal and have not reported it to the relevant authorities. If, as you say, this is a matter of compliance with national regulations, then it could be a serious matter.



            I would strongly advise against complying with any request made by your friend, if you suspect that it may be illegal, as you may be incurring a legal liability. If in doubt, don't do it.





            share




















              Your Answer







              StackExchange.ready(function()
              var channelOptions =
              tags: "".split(" "),
              id: "423"
              ;
              initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);

              StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function()
              // Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
              if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled)
              StackExchange.using("snippets", function()
              createEditor();
              );

              else
              createEditor();

              );

              function createEditor()
              StackExchange.prepareEditor(
              heartbeatType: 'answer',
              convertImagesToLinks: false,
              noModals: false,
              showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
              reputationToPostImages: null,
              bindNavPrevention: true,
              postfix: "",
              noCode: true, onDemand: true,
              discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
              ,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
              );



              );













               

              draft saved


              draft discarded


















              StackExchange.ready(
              function ()
              StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f121064%2fprofessional-relationship-with-close-friend-who-may-be-acting-illegally%23new-answer', 'question_page');

              );

              Post as a guest






























              2 Answers
              2






              active

              oldest

              votes








              2 Answers
              2






              active

              oldest

              votes









              active

              oldest

              votes






              active

              oldest

              votes








              up vote
              0
              down vote













              Most companies now have a compliance team or a speakup forum where you could submit this case anonymously. Also, companies appreciate integrity and general concern for consumer health. If your company has a non-retaliation policy towards whistleblowers i would try and find that forum and speak anonymously.



              Your situation is dire as it concerns not just your career prospects but the general wellbeing of your customers. Company will appreciate if you post the problem with a solution. How many units have been released and is there a risk management team which usually takes care of faulty products and can ask the customers to return this batch? If you could provide such details as a solution i believe that would be the right thing to do both professionally and morally.



              Hope this helps.





              share








              New contributor




              Bombaybard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.





















                up vote
                0
                down vote













                Most companies now have a compliance team or a speakup forum where you could submit this case anonymously. Also, companies appreciate integrity and general concern for consumer health. If your company has a non-retaliation policy towards whistleblowers i would try and find that forum and speak anonymously.



                Your situation is dire as it concerns not just your career prospects but the general wellbeing of your customers. Company will appreciate if you post the problem with a solution. How many units have been released and is there a risk management team which usually takes care of faulty products and can ask the customers to return this batch? If you could provide such details as a solution i believe that would be the right thing to do both professionally and morally.



                Hope this helps.





                share








                New contributor




                Bombaybard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                Check out our Code of Conduct.



















                  up vote
                  0
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  0
                  down vote









                  Most companies now have a compliance team or a speakup forum where you could submit this case anonymously. Also, companies appreciate integrity and general concern for consumer health. If your company has a non-retaliation policy towards whistleblowers i would try and find that forum and speak anonymously.



                  Your situation is dire as it concerns not just your career prospects but the general wellbeing of your customers. Company will appreciate if you post the problem with a solution. How many units have been released and is there a risk management team which usually takes care of faulty products and can ask the customers to return this batch? If you could provide such details as a solution i believe that would be the right thing to do both professionally and morally.



                  Hope this helps.





                  share








                  New contributor




                  Bombaybard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.









                  Most companies now have a compliance team or a speakup forum where you could submit this case anonymously. Also, companies appreciate integrity and general concern for consumer health. If your company has a non-retaliation policy towards whistleblowers i would try and find that forum and speak anonymously.



                  Your situation is dire as it concerns not just your career prospects but the general wellbeing of your customers. Company will appreciate if you post the problem with a solution. How many units have been released and is there a risk management team which usually takes care of faulty products and can ask the customers to return this batch? If you could provide such details as a solution i believe that would be the right thing to do both professionally and morally.



                  Hope this helps.






                  share








                  New contributor




                  Bombaybard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.








                  share


                  share






                  New contributor




                  Bombaybard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.









                  answered 6 mins ago









                  Bombaybard

                  1




                  1




                  New contributor




                  Bombaybard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.





                  New contributor





                  Bombaybard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.






                  Bombaybard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                  Check out our Code of Conduct.






















                      up vote
                      0
                      down vote













                      I am not a Lawyer and I am not qualified to provide legal advice, but:



                      If you know or suspect that your friend is acting illegally, the first thing I would do is make it very clear to them that you are terminating this working relationship immediately and that you will not be providing any further assistance in this area. I would do this verbally at first (as putting anything in writing could incriminate yourself) and then consult a lawyer asap.



                      I think it is also important to consult a lawyer that has experience in this area, because you may have already incurred some level of legal liability on your part if you have a) been involved in doing something illegal and/or b) have knowledge that your friend has done something illegal and have not reported it to the relevant authorities. If, as you say, this is a matter of compliance with national regulations, then it could be a serious matter.



                      I would strongly advise against complying with any request made by your friend, if you suspect that it may be illegal, as you may be incurring a legal liability. If in doubt, don't do it.





                      share
























                        up vote
                        0
                        down vote













                        I am not a Lawyer and I am not qualified to provide legal advice, but:



                        If you know or suspect that your friend is acting illegally, the first thing I would do is make it very clear to them that you are terminating this working relationship immediately and that you will not be providing any further assistance in this area. I would do this verbally at first (as putting anything in writing could incriminate yourself) and then consult a lawyer asap.



                        I think it is also important to consult a lawyer that has experience in this area, because you may have already incurred some level of legal liability on your part if you have a) been involved in doing something illegal and/or b) have knowledge that your friend has done something illegal and have not reported it to the relevant authorities. If, as you say, this is a matter of compliance with national regulations, then it could be a serious matter.



                        I would strongly advise against complying with any request made by your friend, if you suspect that it may be illegal, as you may be incurring a legal liability. If in doubt, don't do it.





                        share






















                          up vote
                          0
                          down vote










                          up vote
                          0
                          down vote









                          I am not a Lawyer and I am not qualified to provide legal advice, but:



                          If you know or suspect that your friend is acting illegally, the first thing I would do is make it very clear to them that you are terminating this working relationship immediately and that you will not be providing any further assistance in this area. I would do this verbally at first (as putting anything in writing could incriminate yourself) and then consult a lawyer asap.



                          I think it is also important to consult a lawyer that has experience in this area, because you may have already incurred some level of legal liability on your part if you have a) been involved in doing something illegal and/or b) have knowledge that your friend has done something illegal and have not reported it to the relevant authorities. If, as you say, this is a matter of compliance with national regulations, then it could be a serious matter.



                          I would strongly advise against complying with any request made by your friend, if you suspect that it may be illegal, as you may be incurring a legal liability. If in doubt, don't do it.





                          share












                          I am not a Lawyer and I am not qualified to provide legal advice, but:



                          If you know or suspect that your friend is acting illegally, the first thing I would do is make it very clear to them that you are terminating this working relationship immediately and that you will not be providing any further assistance in this area. I would do this verbally at first (as putting anything in writing could incriminate yourself) and then consult a lawyer asap.



                          I think it is also important to consult a lawyer that has experience in this area, because you may have already incurred some level of legal liability on your part if you have a) been involved in doing something illegal and/or b) have knowledge that your friend has done something illegal and have not reported it to the relevant authorities. If, as you say, this is a matter of compliance with national regulations, then it could be a serious matter.



                          I would strongly advise against complying with any request made by your friend, if you suspect that it may be illegal, as you may be incurring a legal liability. If in doubt, don't do it.






                          share











                          share


                          share










                          answered 5 mins ago









                          Time4Tea

                          2,1193719




                          2,1193719



























                               

                              draft saved


                              draft discarded















































                               


                              draft saved


                              draft discarded














                              StackExchange.ready(
                              function ()
                              StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f121064%2fprofessional-relationship-with-close-friend-who-may-be-acting-illegally%23new-answer', 'question_page');

                              );

                              Post as a guest













































































                              Comments

                              Popular posts from this blog

                              Long meetings (6-7 hours a day): Being “babysat” by supervisor

                              Is the Concept of Multiple Fantasy Races Scientifically Flawed? [closed]

                              Confectionery