Friday, July 31, 2020

Why corporate integrity is more crucial now than ever / Nepal Controversial provisions in corruption-related bills to be revised / Former Indonesian minister sentenced

Why corporate integrity is more crucial now than ever. “Integrity is more important today than it has ever been. As companies anticipate and respond to current challenges, such as by changing suppliers and shifting priorities, it’s essential that compliance standards are upheld. If they’re not, companies are exposing themselves to major risk. In times of crisis, personal conduct can be the first standard to slip, evidenced by the latest insights gleaned from thousands of companies that participated in EY’s Global Integrity Report 2020.” 

 

Andrew Gordon/ EY: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/forensic-integrity-services/why-corporate-integrity-is-more-crucial-now-than-ever  

 

 

(Nepal) Controversial provisions in corruption-related bills to be revised but private sector to remain under the purview of anti-graft body. “The Standing Committee of the ruling Nepal Communist Party has agreed to revise the controversial provisions on two corruption-related amendment bills, but the party’s lawmakers are adamant on including the private sector under the purview of the national anti-graft body. Opposition parties and the private sectors have been criticising the government for trying to expand the jurisdiction of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority when it has failed to control corruption in the public sector.” 

 

The Kathmandu Post: https://tkpo.st/3dJuxMy 

  

 

Former Indonesian sports minister sentenced to seven years for graft. “An Indonesian court on Monday (June 29) handed down a seven-year sentence to the country's former Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi for a bribery case. The former minister was found guilty of receiving bribes to pave the way for disbursement of grant for the country's National Sports Committee (KONI) and gratification from other parties during his ministerial services.” 

 

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Ethical companies will best survive recession / Integrity pacts: an old tool teaches us new tricks / Red Bull heir gets away with murder, anti-corruption officials say

Ethical companies that respect human rights when lobbying will best survive the post-COVID 19 recession (opinion). “Businesses should carefully consider the potential for corruption risks in their COVID-19-related lobbying activities. The disruption and distraction caused by the pandemic, combined with the need to expedite key decisions, has created the conditions in which practices such as irresponsible lobbying can thrive. This carries the very real risk of causing irreparable damage to a business’s reputation and can lead to hugely damaging legal and financial consequences in the medium to long term.” 

 

 

 

Integrity pacts: an old tool teaches us new tricks. “Corruption in procurement is a red-hot topic right now as reports of overpricing of personal protective equipment (PPE) and fraudulent contracts for medical equipment spring up around the world. Long before the pandemic pushed these issues to the top of the agenda, citizens have grown tired of seeing trillions in public money squandered in contracts that are overpriced or unfairly awarded to bidders who bribe. And even without the looming global economic crisis, investors and donors have been paying closer attention to safeguarding their funds.” 

 

Basel Institute on Governance /Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/integrity-pacts-old-tool-new-tricks# 

 

 

Red Bull heir gets away with murder, anti-corruption officials say police neglected their duties. “Nothing has been done to Red Bull heir Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya who crashed his Ferrari into an officer and killing him back in 2012 and then speeding off. Now anti-corruption officials are saying that officers investigating the fatal hit-and-run accident neglected to fulfil their duties. An investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission found intention to exempt Yoovidhya from prosecution on charges of drug abuse and speeding. ” 

 

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Thailand targets narco millions / Combating public, private corruption vital to stop smuggling / Vote buying threatens to undermine year-end elections

Thailand targets narco millions hidden in gold, steel and crypto. “On Friday (26 June), Thai authorities were set to burn seized drugs worth $1.7 billion -- another batch worth $800 million was incinerated in Myanmar -- during an annual parade of law enforcement successes across the region. But the record amounts are just a sliver of the money on the table for Asia's meth lords, who emerge from drug crackdowns by raising production and piercing borders with corruption. UNODC estimates they are making $30-$60 billion a year and are the biggest meth producers in the world.” 

 

 

 

Former TI-M chief: Combating public, private corruption vital to stop smuggling. “Smuggling activities in Malaysia were enabled by corruption in both the public and private sectors, said former Transparency International Malaysia president Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar. He said such smuggling included contraband such as drugs, cigarettes, counterfeit products and even people were enabled by corruption funded by illegal proceeds.” 

 

 

 

Vote buying threatens to undermine year-end elections: KPK. “The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) have warned about potential vote buying in the upcoming simultaneous regional elections, which the government insists on holding on Dec. 9 despite the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic. The two agencies are worried that candidates may woo voters, especially those who are suffering from financial hardship as a result of the epidemic, by offering money or daily supplies.” 

 

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Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (27 June 2020): PNG, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati,Vanuatu

COVID-19 – the Pacific response: 24 June. The legislation which replaced it, the National Health Emergency Act 2020, has been criticised this week by anti-corruption agency Transparency International PNG, with critics claiming that it restricts citizens’ rights for an indefinite period with no parliamentary oversight.  

  

PNG:  

Australia must toughen up as well as step up in Papua New Guinea. Legislation to establish the long-promised, and long-delayed, PNG anti-corruption commission is now very close to becoming a reality.  

  

PNG parliament speaker resigns from party. The MP for Manus recently acknowledged fraud allegations against him circulating on social media, and told parliament he was willing to step aside if an investigation was conducted into his office. 

  

 

FIJI:   

FICAC to investigate alleged corruption at Housing Authority. The Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption confirms they have received a complaint in relation to the allegations of corruption at the Housing Authority. 

  

Transparency and accountability. Today, corruption is rife and can be found almost anywhere – schools, churches, sporting associations, professional groups, unions, businesses, clubs, political parties, communities, universities, right up to government institutions. 

  

'Witch-hunts' and whistleblowers: University of the South Pacific in crisis. Vice-chancellor Pal Ahluwalia suspended, then reinstated after he alleged widespread financial irregularities 

  

 

SAMOA:  

Culture, constitution and controversy in Samoa. There are long delays in hearings, there have been cases of judicial corruption, and decisions made by judges can be unclear or contradictory. 

  

 

TONGA:  

Tonga govt reveals deficit busting plan. The opposition also questioned the way the road works were to be carried out, especially the bidding process by private companies for contracts, and how corruption in the process, including favoritism and conflicts of interest, would be prevented. 

  

 

KIRIBATI:  

Kiribati president says heated election reflects democracy. The geopolitical dynamics made for a heated election campaign amidst allegations of corruption. 

  

 

VANUATU:  

Inigo Philbrick, art world prodigy, is arrested months after fleeing the US in multimillion-pound art scam. Inigo Philbrick, the elusive contemporary art dealer, both youthful and handsome, who disappeared in October last year after being accused of defrauding clients of more than $20 million between 2016 and 2019, was arrested on Thursday 11 June by US law enforcement agents on the Pacific island of Vanuatu, a barely on the map tax haven with a reputation as ‘a sunny place for shady people’ 

 

 

To know more about the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project please contact: 

Annika Wythes, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, annika.wythes@un.org 

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WEBINAR: Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Supply Chain

Regional Webinar: Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Supply Chain. Join UNDP for an interactive discussion bringing in different perspective on the critical enablers for creating greater diversity and inclusion in the supply chain and how these measures advance the gender equality agenda

Date/time: Jun 30, 2020 11:00 AM (ICT)

Welcome Remarks by Koh Miyaoi, UNDP Regional Gender Advisor

Panel Discussions with Ms. Victoria Veloso, Procurement Transformation Leader, Johnson & Johnson and Ms. Anusuya Krishnan, Executive Council, National Association of Women’s Entrepreneur, Malaysia.

Closing Remarks by Dr. Harpreet Kaur, UNDP Business & Human Rights Specialist. 

Register now: https://undp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ixziPqGjRYW6UM7fogoJhg

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Fresh impetus essential for anti-corruption efforts in Afghanistan / Bangkok school accused of cafeteria corruption / Antigraft group reports Indonesia's anti-corruption chief

Fresh impetus essential for anti-corruption efforts in Afghanistan. “Speaking at the Integrity Watch Afghanistan (IWA) event, UNAMA’s Rule of Law chief, Romana Schweiger, called for new resolve in anti-corruption efforts, highlighting the Mission’s latest annual anti-corruption report and stressing the UN’s full support to coherent government efforts. ‘We advise the Afghan government to develop a new, realistic and long-term strategy against corruption, building on past achievements in a consultative process with all stakeholders, including civil society,’ said Schweiger.” 

 

 

Bangkok school accused of cafeteria corruption by watchdog group. “One Bangkok school is under fire after it was revealed that ‘free’ milk is being sold for 5 baht a cup and the provided breakfast is just cheap instant noodles. The Thai Anti-Corruption Club Facebook page has been posting photos of the cheap breakfast and has sparked discussion about where the money allocated for student food is going.” 

 

 

 

Antigraft group reports Indonesia's anti-corruption chief for questionable ethics. “Indonesia's anti-corruption chief has been accused of ethics violation by an activist group, which filed a report against him to the agency's supervisory board on Wednesday (June 24). The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Community (Maki) said it has reported Corruption Eradication Commission chairman Firli Bahuri for engaging in a "hedonistic lifestyle" by flying in a private helicopter on a personal trip from Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra, to the city of Baturaja in the same province last week.” 

 

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Former Pakistani PM arrested / Cambodia speeds up business registrations / Blockchain to fight government procurement corruption

Former Pakistani PM Abbasi arrested by anti-graft agency. “Pakistan's anti-corruption agency arrested former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday (Jul 18), drawing a furious response from opposition parties, which accused the government of trying to silence its opponents. The National Accountability Bureau said in a statement Abbasi had been arrested in a case that was opened last year over a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal project. The arrest, as Abbasi was on his way to a news conference in the eastern city of Lahore, adds to a political scene already thick with accusations of corruption and abuse of office with opposition parties planning a day of protest next week.” 

 

 

 

Cambodia speeds up business registrations with new system. Cambodia has launched a new online business registration system to reduce the time taken to start a company from three months to just eight days. Cambodian anti-corruption campaigner San Chey said he hoped the simpler digital system would help reduce corruption, but called for further measures, like a watchdog to help businesses. "An ombudsman office (could) be created to help them during the registration," said Chey, who is also executive director of the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability. 

 

 

 

World Economic Forum trials blockchain to fight government procurement corruption. “Governments spend roughly $9.5 trillion (15% of global GDP) a year on procurement contracts. The OECD estimates that 10-30% of the value of those contracts is lost through corruption and mismanagement. By eliminating bid rigging, procurement prices could be reduced by 20%. In its report, the World Economic Forum gives the example of Latin American construction firm Odebrecht, which went bankrupt after it was found to have paid $800 million in government bribes. And Brazilian state-owned banks owned a majority of the firm’s $25.3 billion debt at the time of the bankruptcy.” 

 

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COVID-19 increases pressure on Myanmar firms to improve governance / Blockchain to prevent corruption / Wirecard's missing billions

COVID-19 increases pressure on Myanmar firms to improve governance (opinion). "Myanmar companies need to think about good governance not only in terms of crisis management but also to adopt a long-term view of benefits. Current business priorities tend to centre around capturing efficiency gains, obtaining licenses and coordinating with authorities to shape industry policies. Small- to medium-sized enterprises try to gain a foothold in the market and typically have to commit significant resources to obtain licenses and maintain operations fitted to the local market." 

 

 

 

Blockchain technology to prevent corruption in Covid-19 response: how can it help overcome risks? (blog) "Under the Covid-19 pandemic, financial support is flowing in to strengthen health systems and purchase personal protection equipment (PPE). Billions are being spent on medical preparedness, supplies and support. Yet validation of the price, quality, and origins of technology and equipment is often challenging. (...) The risks of corruption — for example, misuse of funds, overpricing of equipment, or the production of counterfeit goods — are overwhelming. Blockchain technology can, in the right circumstances, be a tool to overcome some of these challenges." 

 

 

 

Wirecard's missing billions not in the Philippines, central bank says. "The Philippines' central bank said on Sunday that $2.1 billion (€1.9 billion) belonging to German payment firm Wirecard had not entered the country's financial system. The announcement comes after Wirecard CEO Markus Braun resigned, as the company remains in hot water for not posting annual financial statements on four separate occasions and for alleged fraud. Wirecard's latest financial statement postponement was triggered when the company's auditor Ernst & Young said that proof for deposits totaling $2.1 billion could not be found." 

 

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Money laundering and illicit financial flows / PhilHealth chief denies corruption allegations / Whistle-blower granted bail

Money laundering and illicit financial flows – the 'getaway car' of corruption. "Combatting money laundering and flows of illicit finance is central to the global response to corruption. These are the means by which criminals enjoy the fruits of their wrongdoing. Yet development agencies remain relative newcomers to the field, not least because the anti-money laundering/illicit finance problem presents major challenges to donors' ways of working. There also continues to be much debate over what should be included in the term 'illicit financial flows' – and over methods to measure them. Without better means for countries to know how each is affected by illicit finance, policy responses risk not fitting the actual problem." 

 

 

 

PhilHealth chief denies corruption allegations anew. "No officials have defrauded the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) despite fresh allegations of corruption within the state insurer, its chief maintained on Monday. PhilHealth president and CEO Ricardo Morales reiterated during the "Laging Handa" briefing that it is "premature" to go to President Rodrigo Duterte without substantial claims, following reports of missing ₱154-billion funds within the agency through 'fraudulent schemes'." 

 

 

 

(Thai) Army whistle-blower granted bail for absence charge. "A sergeant who exposed corruption in the army has been granted bail from a military court for the charge of unauthorised absence. Military investigators took Sgt Narongchai Intarakawi, 33, a clerk at the army's Ordnance Department, to the Bangkok military court on Monday to seek the first round of his detention on Monday. (…) According to him, he found his name had been used to apply for allowances during 2011-19 for non-existent trips and projects. He complained to his supervisor, hoping it would stop but was reprimanded." 

 

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Anticorruption fight at risk in Indonesia / A drop of water that explains the ocean of corruption / Keep Supoj off (Thailand’s) Justice Ministry sub-committee: corruption watchdog

Anticorruption fight at risk as Supreme Court acquits another high-profile graft defendant. "The (Indonesia) Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has once again hit a wall in its fight against corruption after the Supreme Court upheld the acquittal of the former head of state-run electricity company PLN, Sofyan Basir, the latest graft suspect to evade conviction. His acquittal was formalized in a court ruling dated June 16, in which the Supreme Court rejected the KPK's appeal against a not-guilty verdict handed down by the Jakarta Corruption Court last year. Previously, KPK investigators detained the former PLN president director for allegedly receiving bribes in relation to a coal-fired power plant (PLTU) project in Riau province." 

 

 

 

A drop of water that explains the ocean of corruption (opinion). "For over 10 years that I have been following conferences on the use of Official Development Assistance (ODA), corruption and public sector inefficiency have always been hot topics. It was Vu Khoan, former Vietnamese Vice President, who used the term "petty corruption" in the early years of the new millennium. He meant the bribes that had to be paid to public workers, from customs officials to traffic police, to get anything done in Vietnam – the" envelope culture". However, we need to realize that this petty corruption is not petty at all. It is the brick used to build the edifice that shocks and awes us from time to time." 

 

 

 

Keep Supoj off (Thailand's) Justice Ministry sub-committee: corruption watchdog. "The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) on Sunday submitted an open letter to Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, voicing opposition to the appointment of Supoj Saplom, a former permanent secretary for transport, to sit on a sub-committee tasked with studying a project for rehabilitation and development of inmates. The appointment of Mr Supoj came only months after he completed a jail term for false asset declarations. The ACT said in the letter that the constitution of Thailand bars people who lack morality, ethics and good governance from taking part in the country's administrative affairs." 

  

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