Thai driving license / Chinese suspect's family / Anti-corruption development model

Driving licence uproar unmasks character flaws (Opinion).  “The public’s concern that police could demand bribes from drivers who cannot produce a licence stems from the common perception that cops are corrupt and opportunistic.”

The Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/opinion/30353017

 

China pressures family of Australian-based corruption suspect to ensure his return.  China's corruption watchdog has admitted to placing pressure on the family of Lai Mingming the former bank official, a suspect living in Australia to get him to return to China.

Kristy Needham/The Sydney Morning Herald: https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/china-pressures-family-of-australian-based-corruption-suspect-to-ensure-his-return-20180824-p4zznf.html

 

A model for corruption free development in Pakistan (Blog).  “I believe that community engagement in every step of the flow of works on development projects can be a way to eliminate many discrepancies.”

Yarjan Abdul Samad/Daily Times: https://dailytimes.com.pk/287947/a-model-for-corruption-free-development-in-pakistan/

Malaysia cash handouts / Thai land deeds / Pakistan corruption challenges

Cash handouts for Malaysia's needy must be stopped, has elements of corruption: Minister Azmin Ali.  “Cash handouts for Malaysia's lower-income groups should be stopped because there are elements of corruption in it, Minister for Economic Affairs Mohamed Azmin Ali said.”

The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/cash-handouts-for-malaysias-needy-must-be-stopped-has-elements-of-corruption-minister

 

Land bought under false deeds returned.  Thailand’s Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) secretary-general Lt-Colonel Korntip Daroj said the owner of the two plots of land was willing to return the land to the state however, officials involved in the case now disciplined and dismissed from the civil service could not be punished because the alleged illegal transaction had taken place more than 30 years ago and statute of limitations had expired.

The Nation: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30353077

 

Curbing corruption, retrieving country's wealth biggest challenges: PM.  Prime Minister Imran Khan said that curbing corruption and retrieving wealth of the country, amassed through illegal means and laundered abroad, were among the biggest challenges for the government.

Geo Television Network: https://www.geo.tv/latest/208829-curbing-corruption-retrieving-countrys-wealth-biggest-challenges-pm

Asia borders corruption / India anti-graft amendment / Southeast Asia dams

Graft is alive and well on Asia's 'badland' borders (Commentary).  “Paradoxically, in Southeast Asia, the level of corruption between Laos and Cambodia could affect not only China's BRI but also other cross-border schemes and cooperation efforts -- not least between member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.”

Marco Ferrarese/Nikkei Asian Review: https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/Tea-Leaves/Graft-is-alive-and-well-on-Asia-s-badland-borders

 

Key Amendment To India's Anti-Corruption Legislation Has Significant Implications For Multinationals Doing Business In India.  “While the Amendment affords MNCs the opportunity to mitigate their potential exposure by adopting a robust anti-corruption compliance program, the dearth of [the Prevention of Corruption Act] enforcement against private companies leaves significant ambiguity as to how Indian prosecutors will evaluate compliance programs.”

Geoffrey M. Atkins, Andrew J Dale, and Karen Oddo/Mondaq: http://www.mondaq.com/india/x/729848/White+Collar+Crime+Fraud/Key+Amendment+to+Indias+AntiCorruption+Legislation+Has+Significant+Implications+for+Multinationals+Doing+Business+in+India

 

Southeast Asia May Be Building Too Many Dams Too Fast.  “There have been many allegations of corruption tied to the awarding of construction contracts.”

Stefan Lovgren/National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/08/news-southeast-asia-building-dams-floods-climate-change/

ASEAN responsible business / Pakistan austerity drive / Indonesia forestry corruption

Responsible private enterprise key to sustained economic and social progress in Asean (Op-ed).  “Alongside creating decent jobs, the private sector in Asean (Association of South East Asian Nations) can spur innovation in smart cities, finance green infrastructure, as well as adopt business models that promote good governance and diversity that serves to future-proof their business models.”

Lewis Neal and Valerie Cliff/Asia News Network: https://asianews.network/2018/08/23/responsible-private-enterprise-key-to-sustained-economic-and-social-progress-in-the-asean/

 

Pak Bans 1st Class Air Travel By Leaders, Officials, Work Hours Revised.  Pakistan's new government has banned the discretionary use of state funds and first-class air travel by officials and leaders, including the president and the prime minister, as part of its austerity drive.

NDTV: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/imran-khans-pakistan-pak-bans-first-class-air-travel-by-government-officials-leaders-working-hours-r-1905983

 

Is Indonesia’s celebrated antigraft agency missing the corruption for the trees? (Editorial).  “Our analysis found a range of obstacles preventing the KPK from taking action against corrupt politicians and the unscrupulous companies engaging in large-scale land deals.”

Mongabay: https://news.mongabay.com/2018/08/is-indonesias-celebrated-antigraft-agency-missing-the-corruption-for-the-trees/

Hong Kong rail workers / Thailand new law / FTC job corruption

Duo charged with bribery over employment of construction workers (Press release).  Two former workers of a construction engineering company have been charged by the ICAC with soliciting and accepting illegal rebates of over $43,000 in total from four fellow workers in relation to their employment with the company.

Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC):  https://www.icac.org.hk/en/press/index_id_602.html

 

Thailand Passes New Anti-Corruption Law.  An important addition in the New Anti-Corruption Law is that the legal entities covered under the law now also include foreign juristic persons, meaning that it applies to organizations that are registered abroad but operating in Thailand. This would cover situations where a company may not have a physical presence in Thailand, but is using local agents to win government contracts, for example.

Tilleke & Gibbins/Lexology: https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=2cfc0be0-5b65-408a-81fd-a9cafa163239

 

FTC tries to stamp out corruption.  Korea’s antitrust watchdog is strengthening its efforts to eradicate corruption among its officials, particularly focusing on rooting out a practice where its former employees got hired by local conglomerates they oversaw while working for the commission, according to the country’s top competition regulator.

Choi Hyung-Jo/Korea JoongAng Daily: http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3052146&cloc=joongangdaily|home|newslist1

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (25 August 2018): Fiji, PNG, Samoa

FIJI:

Former court clerk faces corruption charges.  Keven Kalpesh Chand is charged with soliciting and accepting an advantage.

http://www.fijitimes.com/former-court-clerk-faces-corruption-charges/

Lawyer and businessman given suspended sentence for forgery.  Suva lawyer Aseri Vakaloloma and businessman Benjamin Padarath have been given a suspended sentence by the Suva Magistrates Court this afternoon.

http://www.fijitimes.com/lawyer-and-businessman-given-suspended-sentence-for-forgery/

Fijians Helping Fiji Cooperative spends $600,000.  The controversial Fijians Helping Fiji Cooperative spent $600,000 in two years and has now run out of money, in what its chairman has described as “a learning process”.

http://www.fijitimes.com/fijians-helping-fiji-cooperative-spends-600000/

Arrest warrant issued for Fiji woman over NZ trafficking case. The women are charged with trafficking, obtaining property by deception and money laundering.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/364581/arrest-warrant-issued-for-fiji-woman-over-nz-trafficking-case

 

PNG:

Governor of PNG capital to 'keep pushing boundaries'.  Some opposition MPs have decried the use of a foreign-owned company to run the sessions, amid other yoga training, as a waste of around $US900,000 in public money.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/364496/governor-of-png-capital-to-keep-pushing-boundaries

Bougainville cracking down on corruption.  Corruption within government departments is stealing the dreams of Bougainville, the chief secretary of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), Joseph Nobetau, says.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/364574/bougainville-cracking-down-on-corruption

PNG heading towards social breakdown - opposition MP.  A Papua New Guinea opposition MP says social breakdown could come to a head in the country after it hosts APEC.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/2018659118/png-heading-towards-social-breakdown-opposition-mp

Call for reserved seats for women in PNG still alive.  "Because of the disparity in how wealth is being used, how corruption is used, how all the other elements that are being used by men to actually dominate and to gain their votes into parliament, I support the reserved seats because it opens up that opportunity for women to be heard," Ms Igo said.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/364675/call-for-reserved-seats-for-women-in-png-still-alive

 

SAMOA:

Unit to protect whistleblowers a step in the right direction. It’s undeniable that the Government has copped a lot of flak over its catch cry about accountability, transparency and good governance. 

http://www.sobserver.ws/en/23_08_2018/editorial/36159/Unit-to-protect-whistleblowers-a-step-in-the-right-direction.htm

 

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

Maria Adomeit, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, maria.adomeit@unodc.org

Mihaela Stojkoska, Anti-Corruption Specialist - Pacific, UNDP, mihaela.stojkoska@undp.org

Maria Lee, Peace & Development Administrative Assistant, UNDP/UNODC, maria.lee@undp.org

 

New UNDP project / China tax blockchain / Viet Nam Home Affairs

Creating a fair business environment to promote sustainable development and growth in ASEAN (Press release).  The new UNDP regional project, 'Promoting a Fair Business Environment in ASEAN', aims to promote a fair business environment in the region by developing transparent systems in both public and private sectors, championing sustainable business practices, as well as strengthening rule of law and anti-corruption mechanisms.

United Nations Development Programme: http://www.asia-pacific.undp.org/content/rbap/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2018/creating-a-fair-business-environment-to-promote-sustainable-deve.html

 

China Fighting Tax Corruption with Blockchain.  "[O]ne of the methods believed which could help eliminate the use of fake invoices is to start making people, companies, and others submit their applications for tax reimbursement via a blockchain."

Yaron Mazor/FXEmpire:https://www.fxempire.com/news/article/china-fighting-tax-corruption-with-blockchain-522578

 

Home affairs ministry probes official's quick promotions.  Viet Nam's Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that it was looking into the case of a high-level official in Bình Định Province who was awarded a number of promotions in quick succession, the latest step the government is taking to crack down on corruption.

Viet Nam News: https://vietnamnews.vn/society/464256/home-affairs-ministry-probes-officials-quick-promotions.html#RReglqlRfoxG7D70.97

BRI anticorruption agency / Thai PACC chief / Philippines OEC corruption

Guest Post: The One Belt, One Road Initiative Needs a Centralized Anticorruption Body (Blog).  "I suggest that one way—perhaps the best way—to achieve the requisite level of anticorruption coordination in the context of the OBOR initiative is to establish a supranational anticorruption body with oversight for OBOR projects. That is, I advocate the creation of a "Silk Road Anticorruption Body" that would have four primary functions:…[coordinating investigations, financial regulations, policy coordination and guidance, and facilitating integration of anticorruption provisions in future agreements."

Edmund Bao/The Global Anticorruption Blog:https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2018/08/16/guest-post-the-one-belt-one-road-initiative-needs-a-centralized-anticorruption-body/

 

PACC chief selection 'unlawful'. Thailand's Central Administrative Court has ruled the selection of the new secretary-general of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) is unlawful although the secretary-general can keep his job for now.

Bangkok Post:https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1524238/pacc-chief-selection-unlawful

 

Corruption Creates Difficulties Recruiting from Philippines. New Zealand employers hiring workers from the Philippines were affected by a ban imposed by the Philippines Government on the Philippines Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) due to corruption within the organization, which is in charge of issuing Overseas Employment Certificates for workers to leave the country to work abroad.

Sebastian Shaw/Scoop:http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1808/S00062/corruption-creates-difficulties-recruiting-from-philippines. 

Xi warns military / Khan anti-corruption vow / 1MDB commentary

China's Xi says military must resist 'corrosion' of corruption.  “Xi has repeatedly warned about the threat of corruption to the country and the party, and has vowed not to let up in the fight against it.”

Ben Blanchard/Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-politics-defence/chinas-xi-says-military-must-resist-corrosion-of-corruption-idUSKCN1L40D7

 

Imran Khan vows to cut government expenses, tackle corruption.  In his first televised speech, new leader pledges to cut down government spending and maintain peace with neighbours.

Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/08/imran-khan-vows-cut-government-expenses-tackle-corruption-180819182720963.html

 

How the 1MDB scandal brought down a century-old Swiss bank (Commentary).  “The world's largest financial scandal has toppled a government, threatened a currency, and revealed deeply problematic failings at a buccaneering Swiss bank, say two observers from IMD Business School.”

Salvatore Cantale and Ivy Buche/Channel NewsAsia: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/1mdb-najib-razak-jho-low-money-laundering-swiss-bank-accounts-10616388

Chinese official imprisoned / India corporate liability / Malaysia rail network

Former provincial official imprisoned for bribery.  Zhang Wenxiong, former head of the publicity department of the Communist Party of China Hunan provincial committee, was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined 2 million yuan for taking bribes and holding a huge amount of property with unidentified sources.

Yurou/Xinhua: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-08/16/c_137395902.htm

 

Corporate Liability for Corruption in India: Some Notes on Reform (Blog).  “The penalties for corporations that commit corrupt acts need to be stronger and more certain, but at the same time the agencies responsible for prosecuting corporate corruption cases need to be much clearer – both to their own employees and to potential defendants – about when a corporation has made sufficient efforts to prevent corruption that it should escape punishment even when it could technically be held liable.”

Abhinav Sekhri/The Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2018/08/17/corporate-liability-for-corruption-in-india-three-necessary-reforms/

 

Amid corruption scandal, Malaysia switches track on future of rail network.  “Public transit programs in the Kuala Lumpur region made significant gains under Najib, but revelations about the nexus of infrastructure projects and corruption [left] the future of rail development in question.”

Keith Schneider/Mongabay: https://news.mongabay.com/2018/08/amid-corruption-scandal-malaysia-switches-track-on-future-of-rail-network/

Pakistan anti-corruption vow / ICAC regaining trust / Anti-corruption success exception

Pakistan's Khan Names Cabinet, Vowing to Eliminate Corruption. Imran Khan was sworn in as Pakistan's prime minister on Saturday after winning a vote from a majority lawmakers with a pledge to curb corruption through "ruthless accountability."

Kamran Haider/Bloomberg:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-08-18/pakistan-s-khan-takes-oath-as-pm-with-promise-to-end-corruption

 

With succession question settled, graft watchdog can now regain trust and move on (Editorial).  "There was a time, unfortunately, when personnel changes at the Independent Commission Against Corruption had fueled speculation and doubts about its integrity. Now that the issues are being settled, there is hope that the watchdog can regain public trust and move on."

South China Morning Post: https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/2160322/succession-question-settled-graft-watchdog-can-now-regain

 

Why are anti-corruption success stories still the exception? (Blog).  "The way to play an infinite game is to make decisions based on values — which are infinite — rather than solely based on interests — which are finite."

Nieves Zuniga/Voices for Transparency: https://voices.transparency.org/why-are-anti-corruption-success-stories-still-the-exception-9a30e5f4cf39

Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (18 August 2018): Fiji, Tonga, PNG, Samoa, Cook Islands

Dan McGarry: Fighting for media freedom and truth in the Pacific.  When the host country Nauru banned the pool broadcaster, ABC, from the Pacific Islands summit set for next month, it was condemned widely for an attack on freedom on the media. Lee Duffieldrecently paid a visit to Dan McGarry, media director of the Vanuatu Daily Post, who took a lead, declaring his outlet would no longer go.

https://asiapacificreport.nz/2018/08/15/dan-mcgarry-fighting-for-media-freedom-and-truth-in-the-pacific/

 

FIJI:

Church under probe.  The investigations surfaced when Grace Road Church founder Grace Ok-ju was arrested in Korea on allegations of incarceration, assault and money laundering.

http://www.fijitimes.com/church-under-probe/

September judgement for former council staff on corruption charges.  Nausori Resident Magistrate Vandhana Lal will deliver the judgement next month for a former acting Senior Rates Officer of the Nausori Town Council who is charged with 15 counts of causing a loss.

http://www.fijitimes.com/september-judgement-for-former-council-staff-on-corruption-charges/

Retrial ordered after FICAC’s appeal. Filimoni Bola was initially charged by the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption with one count of bribery.

http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/67395/retrial-ordered-after-ficac%E2%80%99s-appeal

Bail denied for Chinese national.  The Chinese national current­ly facing corruption related charges in the Suva Magis­trates Court had her second bail application refused on August 13

http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/08/16/bail-denied-for-chinese-national/

 

TONGA:

Tonga evaluating strength of anti-money laundering laws.   Tonga's ability to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism is being scrutinised.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/364143/tonga-evaluating-strength-of-anti-money-laundering-laws

Former Tongan PM's case adjourned again.  Tongan noble MP and former Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano, has had his bribery and money laundering case adjourned again, this time until August 14.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/363975/former-tongan-pm-s-case-adjourned-again

Tonga to strengthen fight against financial crimes.  Tonga will strengthen its fight against financial criminal activities by having an evaluation done on its legal framework to combat money laundering, financing of terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

https://matangitonga.to/2018/08/14/tonga-strengthen-fight-against-financial-crimes

 

PNG:

PNG watchdog laments lack of progress on ICAC.  A Papua New Guinea watchdog says the millions being spent on November's APEC summit could have been used to set up an Independent Commission Against Corruption.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/364127/png-watchdog-laments-lack-of-progress-on-icac

 

SAMOA:

Police take over investigation.  The Ministry of Police has taken over the case of former Assistant C.E.O. of the M.W.T.I. Faleniu Mark Alesana, whose services was terminated last month on allegations of impropriety over his connection to an Indian company. 

http://sobserver.ws/en/16_08_2018/local/35947/Police-take-over-investigation.htm

Unit set up for whistleblowers.  A special audit unit has been set up within the Audit Office for whistleblowers in the public sector who want to report fraud and other irregularities.

http://sobserver.ws/en/16_08_2018/local/35946/Unit-set-up-for-whistle-blowers.htm

 

COOK ISLANDS:

Petition hearings underway.  A number of witnesses took the stand in High Court yesterday to give evidence regarding the Rakahanga electoral petition filed by Democratic Party leader Tina Browne following the May 14 general election.

http://www.cookislandsnews.com/item/70363-petition-hearings-underway

Bagan projects reported / Coal pollution corruption / Journalism prize open

 

 

From: ap-intact@groups.undp.org <ap-intact@groups.undp.org>
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2018 5:59 AM
To: ap-intact <ap-intact@groups.undp.org>
Subject: [ap-intact] Bagan projects reported / Coal pollution corruption / Journalism prize open

 

Shady Bagan Projects Reported to Anti-Corruption Commission.  Locals of Bagan, the archaeological zone in central Myanmar, said they have filed a complaint to the Anti-Corruption Commission of Myanmar and requested an investigation into development and conservation projects that were done in their area.

Zarni Mann/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/shady-bagan-projects-reported-anti-corruption-commission.html

 

Corruption allows mine-mouth coal plants to pollute (Opinion).  “The role of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is crucial to rescue residents in the areas around mine-mouth power plants, which do not use adequate pollution control technology due to corruption.”

Pius Ginting/The Jakarta Post: http://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2018/08/15/corruption-allows-mine-mouth-coal-plants-to-pollute.html

 

World Justice Project Anthony Lewis Prize for Exceptional Rule of Law Journalism (Competition).  The applications and nominations to recognize journalists who contribute to increased awareness on corruption, accountability, human rights, access to justice, open government, etc. are open until 20 September 2018.

World Justice Project: https://worldjusticeproject.org/our-work/research-scholarship/anthony-lewis-prize-exceptional-rule-law-journalism

Thank you to Robert Leventhal, US Department of State for sharing this opportunity.

Philippines military hospital / Myanmar forestry corruption / Thai anti-fraud chief

 

 

Duterte fires military hospital chief for corruption.  President Duterte fired the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center, more popularly known by its old name V. Luna General Hospital, the head of its logistics office and 20 others reportedly for massive corruption involving millions. 

Edith Regalado/Philstar: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/08/14/1842450/duterte-fires-military-hospital-chief-corruption#rTRTuMV4oJ6RRldh.99

 

Lack of Funding Fueling Corruption in Forestry Sector, Senior Official Says.  More than 3,200 Forestry Department staff overseen by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation have been subject to disciplinary action over the past seven years for violations including bribery and corruption, negligence, misconduct, and poor performance, department director U Khin Maung Win said, adding that the problem is largely a result of under-funding.

Kyaw Myo/The Irrawaddy: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/lack-funding-fueling-corruption-forestry-sector-senior-official-says.html

 

Critics blast junta’s abrupt firing of top anti-fraud chief.  The junta chairman invoked his absolute power and expelled the anti-money laundering director appointed by the cabinet just a month ago, drawing ire from the regime’s opponents.

Teeranai Charuvastra/Khaosod English: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2018/08/15/critics-blast-juntas-abrupt-firing-of-top-anti-fraud-chief/

India corrupt shelters / Japanese tycoon arrested / 1MDB jet sought

Corrupt shelters for kids could shake people's faith in charity.  "Shocking incidents in two shelter homes in different Indian states have revealed rape and physical abuse of children and a web of corruption"

Kanchan Srivastava/Asia Times:http://www.atimes.com/article/corrupt-shelters-for-kids-could-shake-peoples-faith-in-charity/

 

Japanese casino tycoon arrested in Hong Kong: ex-firm.  A controversial Japanese casino tycoon Kazuo Okada has been arrested in Hong Kong over alleged and unspecified "corruption-related" offences, according to his former company in Tokyo.

The Star:https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2018/08/06/japanese-casino-tycoon-arrested-in-hong-kong-exfirm/

 

Luxury jet linked to 1MDB to return to Malaysia as soon as we can make it fly: Mahathir. The plane, thought to currently be in Singapore, is the latest asset Malaysia is seeking to claw back that was allegedly bought by businessman Low Taek Jho with money looted from sovereign wealth fund 1MDB.

The Straits Times: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/luxury-jet-linked-to-1mdb-to-return-to-malaysia-as-soon-as-we-can-make-it-fly-mahathir 

Blockchain and aid / PACC probes Customs / Sharif story rundown

Can Blockchain Help Bypass the Problem of Corruption in Development Aid? (blog). "Blockchain technology would allow donors to transfer money to end users directly (and instantaneously), bypassing the formal financial institutions and corrupt bureaucracies that have often been the source of financial leakage, and preserving a transparent record of all transactions."

Heesu Chung/The Global Anticorruption Blog:https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2018/08/13/can-blockchain-help-bypass-the-problem-of-corruption-in-development-aid/

 

Duterte's anti-corruption body to probe collusion of Customs execs in shabu smuggling. The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission will conduct its own probe into the entry of about P6.8 billion worth of shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride in the country.

Phil Star:https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/08/12/1842036/dutertesanti-corruption-body-probe-collusion-customs-execs-shabu-smuggling#SeW030lsVcVWtxQ2.99

 

Caged Lion of Punjab: The fall of Pakistan's ex-PM Sharif. A rundown by AFP on Sharif who "is starting one of the last chapters of his long career from a cell, where the 68-year-old is serving a 10-year sentence for corruption."

AFP/Rappler: https://www.rappler.com/world/regions/south-central-asia/209379-caged-lion-punjab-nawaz-sharif

Hong Kong rail / Indian police bribery / Thai monk extradited

Hong Kong MTR’s HK$97.1 billion link scandal: consequences, loopholes and solutions. “On a radio programme…Democratic Party lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting, deputy chairman of the Legislative Council’s transport panel, said the existing mechanism mainly relied on signoffs made by professionals because this was taken to mean they were held accountable and had observed proper ethics.”

Kanis Leung/South China Morning Post:https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/2158939/hong-kong-mtrs-hk971-billion-link-scandal

 

To Check Corruption, Cops in Himachal Pradesh's Una Barred from Carrying over Rs 200.  Continuous complaints of policemen seeking bribes, especially from pilgrims coming from neighbouring Punjab to pay their obeisance at the temples located in Himachal Pradesh, had led the district police chief to introduce this measure.

News18: https://www.news18.com/news/india/to-check-corruption-cops-in-himachal-pradeshs-una-barred-from-carrying-over-rs-200-1841327.html

 

Disgraced 'jet set monk' sentenced to 114 years in jail in Thailand after US extradition.  A Thai court sentenced Wiraphon Sukhon, the disgraced former monk to 114 years in prison for charges including fraud, money laundering and computer crime.

Nicola Smith/The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/08/10/disgraced-jet-set-monk-sentenced-114-years-jail-thailand-us/