Thursday, June 30, 2022

Global - Nigeria - Iran

[Opinion] G7 Summit: Leaders recognize need to address kleptocracy, but remain vague on details. "The G7 should urgently close the loopholes that allow dirty money to flow into their economies. Germany and all G7 countries must immediately make additional resources available to national authorities tasked with the fight against corruption and illicit finance." 

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/press/g7-summit-communique-leaders-recognise-need-to-address-kleptocracy-vague-on-details 

 

Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says landlords letting houses to internet fraudsters risk 15 years in jail. "Any landlord or landlady that let his or her house to internet fraudsters popularly known as Yahoo boys, will henceforth face prosecution." 

Nariametrics: https://nairametrics.com/2022/06/28/efcc-says-landlords-letting-houses-to-internet-fraudsters-risk-15-years-in-jail/ 

 

Iran's supreme leader on Tuesday called on judicial authorities to fight corruption in the country. "In the judiciary, in the executive branch or elsewhere, there are some structures that naturally create corruption; those structures have to be broken down." 

Al Arabiya News: https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2022/06/28/Iran-s-Ali-Khamenei-urges-judiciary-to-fight-corruption 


Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Global- Sub-Saharan Africa - South Korea

[Publication] Safeguarding the Covid-19 vaccine distribution: Evaluating the role of blockchain by U4 Research Centre. "International organisations should examine blockchain's effectiveness against the many challenges identified by research and pilots." 

U4: https://www.u4.no/publications/safeguarding-the-covid-19-vaccine-distribution-evaluating-the-role-of-blockchain 

 

Sub-Saharan Africa Reveals Lessons for Governance By the IMF African Department. "The third element is ensuring efficiency, transparency, and public oversight of investments. This is especially crucial given the need to scale up public investment in infrastructure in Africa. The book points to studies that show that when there is not enough government oversight of public procurement processes, project costs tend to be higher." 

IMF: https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2022/06/22/CF-SSA-Lessons-for-Governance 

 

[Leaflet] "Clean Portal" is an online channel for reporting corruption & public interest violation to public organizations operated by Anti-corruption and Civil Right Commission (ACRC) Korea. "The system aims to provide a one-stop service from reporting customized for different types of users to applying for protection and compensation systematically and efficiently." 

ACRC: https://acrc.go.kr/board.es?mid=a20302000000&bid=64&cg_all=all 


Monday, June 27, 2022

Global - Norway - Kenya

Registration and workshops now open for International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) 2022. "This year's IACC will be held in the capital city of the US between 6-10 December 2022, themed "Uprooting Corruption, Defending Democratic Values". The conference will bring together decision-makers, activists, journalists, civil society groups and business people from over 100 countries and all walks of life." 

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/news/registration-open-2022-international-anti-corruption-conference 

 

New Norwegian Transparency Act on social sustainability becomes effective as of 1 July 2022. "Obligating larger enterprises to comply with fundamental human rights and decent working conditions for employees throughout their supply chain, the Act marks a clear move towards transparency in the supply chain in Norway, which has also been seen in the UK." 

Global Compliance News: https://www.globalcompliancenews.com/2022/06/23/norway-new-norwegian-transparency-act-on-social-sustainability-becomes-effective-as-of-1-july-2022/ 

 

Corruption stands out as a major threat to Kenyan companies, according to findings by the British Chamber of Commerce (BCCK) Business Integrity Market Survey. "According to the report 66 per cent of the respondent companies in Kenya experience negative impacts on their business from corruption." 

The Star: https://www.the-star.co.ke/business/kenya/2022-06-22-corruption-main-hurdle-to-trade-in-kenya-survey/

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Global – Africa – Armenia/U.S.

[Publication] Corruption-free Climate Finance: Strengthening multilateral funds by Transparency International. "Standards of governance in climate finance will be a critical indicator in determining how effective climate funds will be in safeguarding the earth's climate and environment." 

TI: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/corruption-free-climate-finance-strengthening-multilateral-funds 

 

In 2021, Africa Notches Strong Progress in Building Tax Transparency, tackling Illicit Financial Flows. "The Tax Transparency in Africa 2022 report which covers 38 countries, documents Africa's progress in tackling tax evasion and other illicit financial flows (IFFs) through transparency and exchange of information (EOI) for tax purposes." 

NAIJA 247 News: https://naija247news.com/2022/06/21/in-2021-africa-notches-strong-progress-in-building-tax-transparency-tackling-illicit-financial-flows/ 

 

Armenian Anti-Corruption Committee (ACC), U.S. FBI Sign Cooperation MoU. "ACC and FBI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to ensure direct communication and the exchange of information between the two agencies." 

HETQ: https://hetq.am/en/article/145811 


Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Jordan - KRI - Nigeria

Chairman of the Jordan Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (JIACC) said that modern technology plays a "distinguished" role in preventing and combating corruption. "JIACC has launched a digital support directorate, which provides technical assistance and digital intelligence and helps law enforcement teams to retrieve data." 

Al Bawaba: https://www.albawaba.com/editors-choice/how-can-technology-fight-corruption-1481043 

 

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI)'s anti-corruption agenda strengthened under new agreement with Commission of Integrity (COI). "UNDP and COI have today renewed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen KRI's legislative and strategic anti-corruption frameworks and to enhance, the investigative capacity of it in line with international principles and standards." 

Relief Web: https://reliefweb.int/report/iraq/kris-anti-corruption-agenda-strengthened-under-new-agreement-commission-integrity-enarku 

 

Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) warns hotel owners against accommodating internet fraudsters. "The commission has observed a worrying pattern of hospitality by entrepreneurs with suspected fraudsters, by housing them over a long period and making internet facilities available to them." 

Peoples Gazette: https://gazettengr.com/efcc-warns-hotel-owners-against-accommodating-internet-fraudsters/ 


Friday, June 17, 2022

Nigeria - Global - PNG/Phillipines

Nigeria's Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) charges students' anti-corruption club to uphold positive values. "ICPC has identified twelve positive values that needed to be taught to every child and it is important that you abide by them all. These values include honesty, discipline, justice, right attitude to work, citizen's rights & duties, national consciousness, contentment, courage, concern for others, family values, religious values & traditional values." 

ICPC: https://icpc.gov.ng/2022/06/14/icpc-charges-students-anti-corruption-club-to-uphold-positive-values/ 

 

Will beneficial ownership rules curb tenders graft? "Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) transparency could help win the much-needed public support for projects, as government will be able to demonstrate that it is dealing with reputable counterparts in procurement and not just enriching public officials and their cronies." 

Business Daily: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/opinion-analysis/ideas-debate/will-beneficial-ownership-rules-curb-tenders-graft-3847478 

 

Papua New Guinea and the Philippines share best practices on combating corruption. "Exploring similarities and differences with the Philippines officials helps us in PNG to grow our integrity work as a whole-of-society approach to tackling corruption and to build international partnerships. We also welcome the growing commitment to gender equity in the anti-corruption field." 

One Papua New Guinea: https://www.onepng.com/2022/06/papua-new-guinea-and-philippines-share.html 


Thursday, June 16, 2022

Global - West Africa - Malaysia

[Survey Result] Open Budget Survey by International Budget Partnership. "Since 2008, transparency scores have increased more than 20 percent. 31% of countries provide sufficiently detailed information to understand how their budget addresses poverty." 

International Budget Partnership: https://internationalbudget.org/open-budget-survey/open-budget-survey-2021 

 

CSOs Form Sub-Regional Coalition to Expose Corruption In Nigeria, Ghana, Other West African Countries. "Advocacy Coalition of West Africa (WACOWA) will promote whistleblowing as a tool for fighting corruption in the member countries of the Economic Community of West African and also promote transparency and good governance through the fight against corruption." 

Sahara Reporters: https://saharareporters.com/2022/06/12/csos-form-sub-regional-coalition-expose-corruption-nigeria-ghana-other-west-african 

 

In Malaysia, instilling anti-graft value in youths has been conducted. "This year, 19 programmes - forums, seminars, dialogues, quizzes and debates - that involved students at public institutions of higher learning and four programmes at private institutions have been conducted with the collaboration of various parties." 

The Star: https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2022/06/14/instilling-anti-graft-value-in-youths 


Tuesday, June 14, 2022

U.S. - Global - ASEAN

Treasury considering rule to address Anti-Money Laundering (AML) 'loopholes' in private investment in the U.S. "Money launderers may see some investment advisers as a low-risk way to enter the U.S. financial system because they can circumvent traditional AML/Counter Terrorism Financing (CTF) compliance programs in place at banks and broker-dealers." 

Compliance Week: https://www.complianceweek.com/regulatory-policy/treasury-considering-rule-to-address-aml-loopholes-in-private-investment/31752.article 

 

ESG's Role in Anti-Bribery and Corruption: Burden or Benefit? "Although the debate is still ongoing over benchmarking, measuring and standardizing ESG as a whole, much progress has been made in 2022 and the tides appear to be shifting." 

KROLL: https://www.kroll.com/en/insights/publications/compliance-risk/anti-bribery-and-corruption-report/esg-role-anti-bribery-and-corruption 

 

[Publication] Strategic Programming for Anti-Corruption Agencies: Regional guidance note for ASEAN. "The objective of this Guidance Note is to provide guidance to address this core issue by proposing an approach in four basic steps to review and strengthen the strategy of ACAs in ASEAN to define and implement a data-based approach of evaluating their performance." 

UNDP: https://www1.undp.org/content/fairbiz/en/home/resources/strategic-programming-for-anti-corruption-agencies.html 


Sunday, June 12, 2022

Global - Global - Africa

Transparency International's suggestion: 5 ways to take back power in the fight against climate change. "The anti-corruption movement proves that being a silent observer is not the only option and that there are many ways we can come together and demand more from those in power." 

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/blog/5-ways-take-back-power-fight-against-climate-change 

 

[Online course] Integrity basics: Understanding Corruption in Water and Sanitation developed by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), Water Integrity Network (WIN), UNDP, etc. "The course is aimed at decision-makers at all levels, water-sector professionals and stakeholders, including both the private sector and civil society members, and anyone involved academically." 

SIWI: https://siwi.org/latest/water-integrity-and-its-champions-are-needed-now-more-than-ever/ 

 

Supreme Audit Institutions act against corruption with Anti-Corruption Authorities in Africa. "If there is a formal relationship, this will reduce the time in gathering information for fraud investigations as there will be continuous sharing of information at all stages. Where fraud exists, this will be established in the early stages of investigations thereby disarming the corrupt." 

Good Financial Governance in Africa: https://gfg-in-africa.org/supreme-audit-institutions-act-against-corruption-with-anti-corruption-authorities/ 


Thursday, June 9, 2022

U.S. - Nigeria - Global

Treasury considering rule to address Anti-Money Laundering (AML) 'loopholes' in private investment in the U.S. "Money launderers may see some investment advisers as a low-risk way to enter the U.S. financial system because they can circumvent traditional AML/Counter Terrorism Financing (CTF) compliance programs in place at banks and broker-dealers." 

Compliance Week: https://www.complianceweek.com/regulatory-policy/treasury-considering-rule-to-address-aml-loopholes-in-private-investment/31752.article 

 

Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to partner with Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in fighting corruption. "The Commandant emphasized the need for both organizations to work together, especially in the areas of information gathering and intelligence sharing, and adoption of new techniques in the fight against corruption and all other forms of crimes in the state." 

ICPC: https://icpc.gov.ng/2022/06/07/nscdc-to-partner-with-icpc-in-fighting-corruption/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nscdc-to-partner-with-icpc-in-fighting-corruption 

 

ESG's Role in Anti-Bribery and Corruption: Burden or Benefit? "Although the debate is still ongoing over benchmarking, measuring and standardizing ESG as a whole, much progress has been made in 2022 and the tides appear to be shifting." 

KROLL: https://www.kroll.com/en/insights/publications/compliance-risk/anti-bribery-and-corruption-report/esg-role-anti-bribery-and-corruption 


Wednesday, June 8, 2022

North/South America – Global – South Africa

Summit of the Americas: Transparency International calls for rescue of Lima Anti-corruption Commitment. "This 9th Summit of the Americas marks a critical moment for the region. Governments and civil society must take joint action to reverse the trend of democratic decline and build a better future, free of corruption and guaranteeing human rights for all people of the Americas, especially our most vulnerable." 

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/press/summit-of-the-americas-transparency-international-calls-for-rescue-of-lima-anti-corruption-commitments 

 

2022 Anti-Bribery and Corruption survey results regarding blockchain and cryptocurrency. "These survey results demonstrate a certain, if gradually paced, increase in awareness about and use of the blockchain technology and its distributed security and validation features within the compliance and risk management functions of companies in the countries and regions surveyed." 

KROLL: https://www.kroll.com/en/insights/publications/compliance-risk/anti-bribery-and-corruption-report/abc-programs-blockchain-and-crypto 

 

South Africa's government advisory body proposes creation of public procurement authority. "The body would be responsible for organising and managing the public procurement process and laying down the rules, regulations, guidelines and policies, enabling greater transparency and standardisation in awarding government contracts." 

Business Day: https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2022-06-02-government-advisory-body-proposes-creation-of-public-procurement-authority/ 


Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Kuwait - Europe - Global

The Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) revealed that it has received 99.5% of the financial disclosure. "(The authority) stressed the importance of financial disclosure and its essential role in preventing financial corruption, protecting public funds and strengthening oversight over everyone who assumes a public position." 

Arab Times: http://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/99-5-declare-assets-bid-to-prevent-corruption/ 

 

[Publication] Group of States Against Corruption (GRECO) urges European governments to increase transparency and accountability of lobbying in its annual report. "In 2021 we saw progress in the implementation of GRECO´s recommendations but improvements should be further accelerated, in particular concerning anti-corruption measures in respect of MPs and top executive functions of central governments. In addition, it is crucial that, once reforms are adopted, anti-corruption measures are fully operational and effective." 

GRECO: https://www.coe.int/en/web/greco/-/greco-urges-european-governments-to-increase-transparency-and-accountability-of-lobbying 

 

[Publication] Behavioural drivers of corruption facilitating illegal wildlife trade: Problem analysis and state of the field review. "Tackling the corruption enabling wildlife trafficking requires a holistic approach, one using social norms and behavioural change in complement to more traditional approaches of legalization, enforcement and penalties." 

TRAFFIC: https://www.traffic.org/publications/reports/behavioural-drivers-of-corruption-facilitating-illegal-wildlife-trade-problem-analysis-and-state-of-the-field/ 


Friday, June 3, 2022

India - Nigeria - Kosovo

Anti-corruption App is launched for people to curtail corruption by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, India. "Andhra Chief Minister launched the '14400' app developed by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), dedicated for people to register corruption-related complaints against the officials in the state, and to ensure fool-proof evidence to present before the court." 

The Times of India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/cm-ys-jagan-launches-acb-app-for-public-to-curtail-corruption/videoshow/91945193.cms 

 

India, Pakistan and Egypt have decided to replicate Nigeria's system to tackle issues of corruption at their various ports. "Most of the measures put in place to tackle corruption at the nation's Ports are the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Port Service Support Portal (PSSP) and Nigerian Port Process Manual, (NPPM) among others." 

The Sun: https://www.sunnewsonline.com/india-pakistan-egypt-to-replicate-nigerias-model-to-tackle-corruption/ 

 

[Opinion] Kosovo would benefit enormously from the monitoring of compliance with the standards of CoE (Council of Europe). "In mid-May, the Government of Kosovo applied for membership in the Council of Europe. … Membership in the CoE would have proven pivotal since it would've helped to improve the capacities to fight corruption by monitoring regularly their compliance with CoE anti-corruption standards" 

European Western Balkans: https://europeanwesternbalkans.com/2022/05/26/ewb-interview-collaku-kosovo-would-benefit-enormously-from-the-monitoring-of-compliance-with-the-standards-of-the-council-of-europe/ 


Thursday, June 2, 2022

TI - HBR - Ghana

[Publication] Reality check: Can the West bring kleptocrats to justice by TI. "Transparency International has now assessed how well countries leading these multilateral efforts to freeze and seize kleptocrats' assets are equipped to deliver on these objectives. The comparative analysis covers eight countries: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the UK and the US." 

Transparency International: https://www.transparency.org/en/news/reality-check-western-sanctions-russia-kleptocrats-assets-justice 

 

Corruption: New Insights for Fighting an Age-Old Business Problem by Harvard Business Review. "Harvard Business School professors explore how corruption uniquely affects business in emerging markets, and why it should be addressed by the public and private sectors in their case, 'Corruption and Business in Emerging Market'." 

Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/podcast/2022/05/corruption-new-insights-for-fighting-an-age-old-business-problem 

 

Resort to digitalisation to fight corruption in public, private sectors – Ghana CEO Network. "Such a move will help prevent loss of public funds and inefficiencies in the public and private sectors." 

Joy Online: https://www.myjoyonline.com/resort-to-digitalisation-to-fight-corruption-in-public-private-sectors-ghana-ceo-network/