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Showing posts from April, 2015

[ap-intact] INFO: Legislators call for stronger oversight of construction sector to fight corruption

The Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) is calling on legislators across the world to make oversight of the construction sector – particularly in public infrastructure projects – a priority in the fight against corruption. The call is reflected in GOPAC’s position paper, Building on Sand: The importance of oversight in fighting corruption within the construction sector.
The value of global construction is expected to grow to $12 trillion by 2020 but as much as one-third of this could be lost through corruption, mismanagement and inefficiency. Read the GOPAC position paper. http://gopacnetwork.org/Docs/PositionPapers/PP_GTFPO_Construction_EN_Web.pdf

[ap-intact] INFO: Mongolian president renews fight against corruption

Human Rights and Legal Policy Adviser to the President of Mongolia Ch.Unurbayar submitted to Speaker of Parliament Z.Enkhbold the draft of a national policy that includes strengthening accountability and justice to combat corruption. The policy is based on Mongolia’s national security concepts and Millennium Development Goals. To help develop the policy, the President’s Office conducted research on the corruption laws of over 50 countries, and the anti-corruption strategies of 48 countries. Read the story by E. Oyundari, in The UB Post http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/?p=14157

[ap-intact] INFO: Corruption still possible after favorable act has already been completed, says Singapore court

In a recent decision, the Singapore High Court held that corruption is possible even if the agent discussed the idea of a reward with the third party alleged to have been favoured only after acting in relation to his principal’s affairs. Read the story by Andy Leck, Weiyi Tan, Kah Hee Lau, and Clarence Ding, in Global Compliance News. http://globalcompliancenews.com/corruption-after-favorable-act-20150414/

[ap-intact] INFO: New Indonesian police chief promises better synergy with anti-corruption agency

Indonesia’s newly inaugurated National Police Chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti promised to give top priority for the synergy of the police and other law enforcement agencies including the embattled Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). His statement addresses a widespread public perception that KPK is the leading, if not the only agency, that can effectively fight corruption in Indonesia. Read the story by Leo Jegho, in Global Indonesian Voices. http://www.globalindonesianvoices.com/20312/new-police-chief-badrodin-promises-better-synergy-with-other-law-enforcement-bodies/

[ap-intact] INFO: Korea opposition calls for constitutional change as solution to corruption

A group of lawmakers wanting to amend the Constitution to prevent abuses of power has gained the upper hand following the corruption scandal that is rattling President Park Geun-hye's government. The floor leader of the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy, said rebalancing presidential power through a constitutional revision is the only way to curb corruption. Read the story by Kang Hyun-kyung, in The Korea Times. http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2015/04/116_177348.html

[ap-intact] INFO: New office to detect illicit outflows in Bangladesh, says central bank chief

Bangladesh authorities are working with counterparts abroad to recover proceeds of corruption ('stolen assets'), says Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Atiur Rahman. A new transfer pricing monitoring unit in the National Board of Revenue is monitoring trade transactions to detect illicit outflows through mis-invoicing, he added. The central bank chief also said authorities are probing into legality and tax-compliance in the Swiss bank deposits and buying of Malaysian second homes by Bangladesh nationals reported in the media. Read the story in The Financial Express. http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2015/04/19/89350

[ap-intact] INFO: Defence industry gets "fail grade" for anti-corruption

Transparency International UK says two thirds of the world's major defence companies get a "fail grade" for combating corruption in their business operations, despite improvements in industry practices in the past three years. Read the story by Stella Dawson, in Thomson Reuters Foundation. http://www.trust.org/item/20150427010050-l4rdf/?source=gep

[ap-intact] INFO: India anti-corruption agency tells gov’t agencies to hire outside experts

Citing delays in probing suspected corruption in construction projects, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has asked government departments to hire independent and reliable engineers to finish these investigations on time. "An independent and reliable engineer, if considered necessary can also be appointed or hired for assisting the Chief Vigilance Officers," the CVC said in an order. Read the story by the Press Trust of India, in Zee News. http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/hire-outside-experts-to-finish-corruption-probe-on-time-cvc_1581133.html

[ap-intact] Thinking of our colleagues in Nepal

Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues in Nepal at this very difficult time.

[ap-intact] COMMENTARY: Reversing the impact of corruption - How stolen assets can help the poor

"Civil society needs to play a role in asset return. When government officials plunder state treasuries or extract bribes for concessions, those living in poverty, citizens who are most dependent upon social services, suffer the most. Independent local and international NGOs are best positioned to ensure that returned assets are put to the most productive use. Local organizations know the needs on the ground and together with international NGOs can identify interventions that will yield the best development impacts, and most importantly, meet international standards for transparency." Read the commentary by Swathi Balasubramanian and Colby Pacheco, in DevEx. https://www.devex.com/news/reversing-the-impact-of-corruption-how-stolen-assets-can-help-the-poor-85794

[ap-intact] INFO: Bridging the policy implementation gap to curb corruption and spur investment

One way the aid community can help curb corruption and spur investment is by participating in drafting policies and helping popularize them, Jacqueline Musiitwa, managing partner at Hoja Law Group, told Devex Impact associate editor Adva Saldinger in this video interview. Read the story by Jacques Jimeno, in DevEx. https://www.devex.com/news/bridging-the-policy-implementation-gap-to-curb-corruption-and-spur-investment-85870

[ap-intact] INFO: Seminar on quality of government and anti-corruption reforms in Korea

The Quality of Government (QoG) Institute, which is based in the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, announced a 20 April seminar on QoG and anti-corruption reforms in Korea. Presentations will include: "The Quality of Government in Korea: Changes and challenges", by Hyeonwoo Lee and Jeeho Lee, of the Good Government Research Project in Sogang University,; "Procedural Justice and Perceived Electoral Integrity: The Case of Korea's 2012 Presidential Election", by Yongho Cho of Sogan University and Yongchul Kim of Yongnam University; and, "Fight Corruption in Korea since Democratization: An institutional approach", by Deokrho Lee of Sejong University and Yonhyok Choe, of the Quality of Government Institute. For more information, please visit http://qog.pol.gu.se/e/?eventId=2065999028

[ap-intact] COMMENTARY: Making Anticorruption Education Work -- The To Do List

“What goes into the design of effective anticorruption education programs? What factors must be considered? How can we ensure that anticorruption education is genuinely effective? While the issues are complex and many are country-specific, I want to highlight six important components of a successful anticorruption education program.” Read the post by Shinta Nur Fauzia, a Master of Laws Candidate at Harvard Law School, in the Global Anticorruption Blog. http://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2015/04/20/making-anticorruption-education-work-the-to-do-list/#more-2883

[ap-intact] INFO: Growing threat of bribery and corruption in New Zealand

The Organised Crime and Anti-corruption Legislation Bill is set to implement changes to New Zealand’s legislation on bribery and corruption. It is timely considering that a recent survey has highlighted the growing threat in New Zealand. Read the article by Alicia Murray, in Global Compliance News. http://globalcompliancenews.com/new-zealand-to-address-growing-threat-of-bribery-and-corruption-20150415/

[ap-intact] INFO: Hanoi City’s anti-corruption programme cracks down on graft

A programme to combat corruption and promote thrift in the 2011-15 period helped Hanoi City save nearly 3.7 trillion VND (171 million VND), according to a city official. Read the story in Vietnam Net Bridge. http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/government/128299/hanoi-anti-corruption-programme-cracks-down-on-graft.html

[ap-intact] INFO: Chinese police chase corruption suspects in Australian suburbs

A report in The Age says Chinese police have quietly travelled to the eastern suburbs of Melbourne to convince a Chinese-born tour bus driver, now believed to be a naturalized Australian citizen, to return and face bribery charges in China. Read the story by Philip Wen and John Garnaut, in The Age. http://www.theage.com.au/world/chinese-police-chase-corruption-suspects-in-australian-suburbs-20150414-1mkwd2.html

[ap-intact] REPORT LAUNCH & SEMINAR: What ASEAN Should do to fight Corruption (Transparency International)

[Facilitator’s note: Thank you to Rukshana Nanayakkara, Transparency International, for sharing this information. AP-INTACT shares this information strictly as a service to members. To know more, you may get in touch with the contact persons below. Please do not send your query to AP-INTACT. AP-INTACT is not responsible for the accuracy of the posted information. It assumes no liability for the registration and programme practices/decisions of the sponsoring organisation.] Transparency International, the leading civil society organisation fighting corruption worldwide, will release a new report on why ASEAN leaders must create a regional body – the ASEAN Integrity Community -- that integrates anti-corruption principles into the framework of a proposed regional economic community. The report launch will be followed up by a seminar on ASEAN Integrity Community: A Vision for Transparent and Accountable Integration. The report Launch: ASEAN Integrity Community: A vision for transparent and

[ap-intact] PUBLICATION: Governance in Developing Asia (ADB and Edward Elgar Publishing)

This publication provides an overview of the role that better governance and citizen empowerment can play in improving public service delivery in developing Asia. The World Development Report 2004 set a framework for public service delivery in terms of the short and long roads to accountability of service providers to citizens. More than a decade on, this book revisits the issue and departs from the WDR framework, highlighting its shortcomings and offering alternative solutions. Read more in Asian Development Bank. http://www.adb.org/publications/governance-developing-asia?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alerts

[ap-intact] INFO: India donates 35 vehicles to Nepal's anti-graft body

Indian authorities donated 35 vehicles to Nepal's anti-graft body, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). Worth 33 million Nepali rupees (about $331,000), the 35 vehicles include five sedans, 15 double door pickups, and 15 sport SUVs. Read the story in The Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-gifts-35-vehicles-to-Nepals-anti-graft-body/articleshow/46946210.cms

[ap-intact] INFO: Indonesian women leaders and anti-corruption agency mark Kartini Day

[Facilitator’s note: Thank you to Adhi Setyo Tamtomo, International Cooperation Specialist, Corruption Eradication Commission, Indonesia, for sharing this information.] Indonesian women leaders joined the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in commemorating Kartini Day, 21 April, in Jakarta. Kartini Day is an Indonesian holiday commemorating the birth in 1879 of Raden Ajeng Kartini, one of the country's national heroes and a pioneer in the emancipation of Indonesian women. The commemoration marks the first anniversary of the “I am an anti-corruption female movement". Read the story in Tempo.co. http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2015/04/22/055659720/Puan-Sinta-Wahid-Celebrate-Kartini-Day-in-KPK

Ethical Alliance Daily (21 April 2015)

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United States: Former Mayor Of Spring Valley Found Guilty In Federal Court Of Bribery, Extortion And Fraud Charges Published on Apr 21, 2015 11:30 pm     Japan: For corporate bribery, the soapland bubble is bursting Published on Apr 21, 2015 11:00 pm     Russia: Russia to launch own corruption index, to replace ‘biased’ Transparency Intl Published on Apr 21, 2015 10:30 pm     Australia: Icac corruption investigations stalled after Margaret Cunneen high court loss Published on Apr 21, 2015 10:00 pm     South Korea: South Korea PM tenders resignation over bribery scandal Published on Apr 21, 2015 09:30 pm     Ukraine: Prosecutor’s claim of receiving offer of $10 million monthly bribe ignites controversy Published on Apr 21, 2015 09:00 pm     China: CCTV uncovers corruption in China’s grain storage SOE Published on Apr 21, 2015 08:30 pm     Sri Lanka: Rajapaksa backers occupy Parliament after bribery summons Published on Apr 21, 2015 08:00

Daily Corruption News (21 April 2015) - Transparency International

21 April 2015 Today's top story Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka opposition demands anti-graft chief's sacking Agence France-Presse Sri Lanka's main opposition demanded Tuesday the country's anti-graft chief be sacked for summoning former president Mahinda Rajapakse to answer bribery allegations amid renewed uproar in parliament. More news China: China's anti-corruption campaign: The greatest hits CNN Money Indonesia: Indonesia pushes overhaul of state firms as key to growth Wall S

[ap-intact] INFO: Corruption high in int’l student sector of leading Australian universities?

Australia's leading universities, including the prestigious University of Sydney and the Australian National University, allegedly engaged corrupt education agents who are falsifying the academic records of prospective international students to ensure their acceptance into the Australian tertiary system, according to an investigation by ABC TV's Four Corners. Read the story by Lisa Visentin, in Brisbane Times. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/nsw/corruption-rife-in-international-student-sector-of-leading-australian-universities-abcs-four-corners-reports-20150420-1mp64t.html

[ap-intact] INFO: Rights versus powers -- anti-corruption agencies under the gun around Australia

Anti-corruption agencies are under threat across Australia, according to this analysis in The Sydney Morning Herald. Read the article by Nick McKenzie, in The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/national/rights-versus-powers-anticorruption-agencies-under-the-gun-around-australia-20150417-1mmj39.html

[ap-intact] INFO: Australian federal police investigates surge in foreign bribery allegations

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's latest anti-corruption report notes a surge in Australian Federal Police cases over the past 2½ years, saying the number of investigations peaked at 17 in December 2014, up from seven two years earlier. Read the story by Markus Mannheim, in The Canberra Times. http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/public-service/federal-police-investigate-surge-in-foreign-bribery-allegations-20150415-1mkllo.html

Daily Corruption News (20 April 2015) - Transparency International

20 April 2015 Today's top story South Korea: PM offers to resign over bribery scandal Yonhap South Korean Prime Minister Lee Wan-koo has offered to resign over a bribery scandal, a senior ruling camp official said Monday. More news Global: Bank of the underworld The Atlantic Global: Se crea herramienta para medir impunidad (Tool created to measure impunity) El Universal Afghanistan: UN investigation finds corruption in Afghan police oversight division Reuters China: China cracks d

The Ethical Alliance Daily (20

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United States: ‘Constructive’ talks on US banks tax evasion row Published on Apr 20, 2015 11:30 pm     Egypt: Ex-EFA chairman: Warner sought bribe from Egypt over 2010 World Cup bid Published on Apr 20, 2015 11:00 pm     Brazil: Businessman confesses to paying $36 mn in bribes to Petrobras officials Published on Apr 20, 2015 10:30 pm     United Kingdom: Tory MP Jesse Norman to be probed by police over claims he tried to ‘bribe’ voters with chocolate cake Published on Apr 20, 2015 10:00 pm     Australia: Joe Hockey joins George Osborne in fight against tax evasion Published on Apr 20, 2015 09:30 pm     Canada: Canada entangled by its own anti-corruption laws Published on Apr 20, 2015 09:00 pm     Ukraine: Ukrainian Judges Dismissed Over Corruption Allegations Published on Apr 20, 2015 08:30 pm     India: CETP tragedy: TNPCB officials bail plea dismissed Published on Apr 20, 2015 08:00 pm     China: Former China Security Head Spied o