Regular readers of Ethisphere will remember the two organizers of an international film festival in Thailand who were accused earlier this year of bribing government officials in order to obtain the rights to run the festival. Gerald and Patricia Green, established film producers, were accused of giving the former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand $1.8 million, and in exchange netted millions of dollars in revenue from the success of the Bangkok Film Festival.

As the trial begins, renewed attention has been given to the case, particularly from within Hollywood. As Franceska Schroeder, a trade compliance attorney told the Associated Press, “I think a message is being sent loud and clear that the government is going after violators no matter what industry they are in.”

Both Mr. and Mrs. Green face up to life in prison if convicted on all their charges. They both deny making payments to earn the film festival contracts.