AP-INTACT

Get AP-INTACT posts on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/apintactnetwork ) If a link below does not work, please copy and paste the link into your browser's address bar instead. Under Pressure: Nations Respond to Need for Crypto Legislation .  A growing list of countries have recognized the need to address cryptocurrency legislation - where do they stand? Rachel McIntosh/Finance Magnates: https://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/news/cryptocurrencynewsunder-pressure-the-worlds-nations-respond-to-need-for-crypto-legislation/ Monitoring to Implement Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies .  This report summarizes the findings emerging from a pilot initiative to support inclusive processes and methodologies for monitoring SDG16 in six countries: El Salvador, Georgia, Indonesia, South Africa, Tunisia and Uruguay. United Nations Development Programme: http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/librarypage/democratic-governance/monitoring-to-implement-p...

Get AP-INTACT posts on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/apintactnetwork ) 27 November 2017 Dear Colleagues, On this date, five years ago, we gathered in Jakarta to discuss a set of "Principles for Anti-Corruption Agencies" to promote and strengthen the independence and effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies (ACA). We reviewed and discussed country experiences from around the world, challenges faced by ACAs, and key requirements for ensuring the independence and effectiveness of ACAs. And finally, we recommended a set of principles for anti-corruption agencies known as the Jakarta Principles . On 9 November 2017, on the margins of the Conference of State Parties to the UNCAC, Indonesia, Romania, France and Burkina Faso together with Transparency International, UNODC, and UNDP held a special event on "Revisiting the Jakarta Principles: Strengthening Anti-Corruption Agencies' Independence and Effectiveness". The panel discussi...

Get AP-INTACT posts on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/apintactnetwork ) If a link below does not work, please copy and paste the link into your browser's address bar instead. Global Forum on Asset Recovery .  The inaugural Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) will be held in Washington, DC, December 4th to 6th, 2017, hosted by the United Kingdom and the United States with support from the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR), an initiative of The World Bank and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative: http://star.worldbank.org/star/about-us/global-forum-asset-recovery-gfar How China and the US are emboldening whistle-blowers in the fight against corporate corruption .  Support from China's anti-corruption campaign and millions in rewards offered by America have seen a surge in whistle-blowers from the mainland and Hong Kong, encouraged in particular by the GSK case Andy Rickman/South China Morning...

Get AP-INTACT posts on Twitter (https://twitter.com/apintactnetwork) If a link below does not work, please copy and paste the link into your browser's address bar instead. 'Corruption is top problem for doing business in Pakistan' .  The Global Competitiveness Report 2017-18 identifies corruption as the most problematic factor for doing business in Pakistan, followed by tax rates, government instability/coups and crime and thefts. Mubarak Zeb Khan/Dawn: https://www.dawn.com/news/1360255 Experts discuss public governance at Asian leadership forum .  Asian civil servants and political figures together with representatives of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development secretariat discussed innovative solutions and shared best practices in administrative reforms at the Asian Leadership Forum, held at the 2017 EROPA (Eastern Regional Organisation for Public Administration) General Assembly annual conference in Seoul. Yerbo...

Corruption Should be Eliminated in Judicial System, says Afghanistan CEO .  A two-day meeting of prosecutors was organized in the c apital city of Kabul to discuss the lack of a proper judicial mechanism in several districts, the influence of powerful figures on the system, and the problem of corruption in the judiciary.  Middle East North Africa Financial Network: http://menafn.com/1096077985/Afghanistan-Corruption-Should-be-Eliminated-in-Judicial-System-CEO Bangladesh anti-graft agency lacks powers to probe former Chief Justice .  Legal experts in Bangladesh expressed reservations over the powers of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to inquire into alleged corruption charges levelled against immediate-past chief justice Surendra Kumar Sinha after Law Minister Anisul Huq told newsmen that the ACC would probe the charges. Gulf Times: http://www.gulf-times.com/story/570977/Anti-graft-agency-lacks-power-to-probe-former-CJ-e Corruption, terrorism have cl...

'We don't feel safe': Afghan anti-graft officials demand protection .  A series of deadly attacks on Afghan anti-corruption officials has highlighted the dangers of taking on the country's rich and powerful and sparked calls for better protection of the people waging war against graft. Channel News Asia: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/-we-don-t-feel-safe---afghan-anti-graft-officials-demand-protection-9397434 Three top ethical stocks .  "[These companies] feature in the United Nations Global Compact 100, an index featuring firms that have implemented the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles covering human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption." Rachel Winter/MoneyWeek: https://moneyweek.com/rachel-winter-three-top-ethical-stocks/ Amendments to China’s Anti-Unfair Competition Law Broadens the Scope of Commercial Bribery, Imposes Vicarious Liability, and Increases Penalties .  The Amended law: (1) redefines commercial bribery ...

Get AP-INTACT posts on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/apintactnetwork ) If a link below does not work, please copy and paste the link into your browser’s address bar instead. Enlisting the Private Sector in the Fight Against Corruption (commentary) .  "When looking for allies [in the war against corruption], many governments have until recently ignored an obvious source of recruits: the corporations they license to do business." Richard Messick/Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2017/11/15/enlisting-the-private-sector-in-the-fight-against-corruption/ Fixing India’s Anti-Money Laundering Regime (commentary) .  "To assess India’s overall anti-money laundering (AML) regime, it’s more important to focus on the basic legal framework in place." Abhinav Sekhri/Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2017/11/13/fixing-indias-anti-money-laundering-regime/ China corruption could lead to Soviet-style coll...

The Link Between Perceived Corruption and Sovereign Risk Ratings (commentary) .  "The strong correlation between perceived corruption and credit ratings is likely to get senior policymakers—especially in finance ministries—to pay more attention to corruption issues, which in turn may generate more demand for attention to, and support for, anticorruption efforts." Roberto de Michele and Francesco De Simone, of the Inter-American Development Bank and Ugo Panizza of the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva/Global Anticorruption Blog: https://globalanticorruptionblog.com/2017/11/16/guest-post-the-link-between-perceived-corruption-and-sovereign-risk-ratings/ Malaysia NGO proposes ways to combat corruption during elections .  The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) has proposed six recommendations to combat corrupt practices during elections, including giving the Malaysian A...

KPK detains House Speaker as doctors declare him fit for questioning .  The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) detained House of Representatives Speaker and graft suspect Setya Novanto on Sunday evening after a team of doctors from the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) concluded that the politician was fit to undergo questioning. Kharishar Kahfi/The Jakarta Globe: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/11/20/kpk-detains-setya-as-doctors-declare-him-fit-for-questioning.html Thank you to Adhi Setyo Tamtomo, Corruption Eradication Commission, Republic of Indonesia, for sharing this developing story. Bhutan National Council recommends 35 changes in anti-money laundering bill .  The National Council asked its economic affairs committee to compile the members' recommendations on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Bill 2017 and present for debate and adoption. Kuensel: http://www.kuenselonline.com/council-...

Former Australian judges call for national anti-corruption watchdog .  A group of prominent former judges have called for the establishment of a federal anti-corruption agency, saying serious corruption almost certainly exists in federal politics. Matt Peacock/ABC: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-11-02/former-judges-call-for-federal-icac/9112396 Corruption can add 40% to infrastructure costs - expert .  Transparency in public procurements is not only about stopping corruption, but also about creating a safe environment for companies to bid on infrastructure projects. Carin Smith/Fin24: https://www.fin24.com/Economy/corruption-can-add-40-to-infrastructure-costs-expert-20171102-2 Hong Kong's Independent Commission against Corruption launches ethical governance training .  Over the coming year, senior managers at 2,000 Hong Kong-listed companies will receive online training by the ICAC to promote ethical governance and fight corruption...

Singapore ranks 13th out of 200 for 'very low' risk of commercial bribery .  The city state is in the "very low" category in terms of risks of business bribery or in other words, corruption-related concerns, based on the 2017 Trace Bribery Risk Matrix - a global business bribery risk assessment tool. Anita Gabriel/The Business Times: http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/singapore-ranks-13th-out-of-200-for-very-low-risk-of-commercial-bribery Malaysia launches anti-bribery management system to help curb corruption .  The Department of Standards Malaysia in collaboration with the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission launched the Anti Bribery Management Systems based on the ISO 37001:2016 Malaysian Standard. Borneo Bulletin: http://borneobulletin.com.bn/malaysia-launches-anti-bribery-management-system-to-help-curb-corruption/ Afghanistan: Fighting Corruption A 'Precondition' For Foreign Aid .  The US's d...

Blockchain to Fight Corruption in Southeast Asia .  Blockchain is being tested for its potential to bring light to secretive industries in Southeast Asia. Voice of America: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/blochchain-to-fight-financial-corruption-in-southeast-asia/4097034.html UN backed-report highlights role of business in achieving Global Goal on peace, justice and strong institutions .  Through anti-corruption measures, promoting diversity and supporting justice initiatives, companies play a crucial role in achieving targets in the  2030 Agenda  for Sustainable Development on building accountable and inclusive institutions, according to a report released by a United Nations-backed global fund. UN News Centre: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=58027#.WgALZ2KCxFQ Spotlight on Myanmar transparency .  An annual study on business transparency at Myanmar companies would be widened next year to en...

Gravy train (editorial) .  "The latest corruption scandal involving former key aides to ousted President Park Geun-hye should shed fresh light on the problems of the government's audit-free 'special activity accounts.' " The Korea Herald: http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20171103000273 Fighting corruption with spiritual power in East Timor .  "Leaders and activists [of the KUNTO Party, a new force in Timorese politics] have repeatedly stated that much of the party's appeal derived from the strategy to defeat corruption they offered to voters." New Mandala/Edward Aspinall & James Scambary: http://www.newmandala.org/fighting-corruption-spiritual-power-east-timor/ Tough talk against corruption needs concrete action to succeed (commentary) .  "The [Philippine] government's anti-corruption efforts will find meaning and generate widespread support if those leading the fight would subject thems...

With deep appreciation to Putri Rahayu Wijayanti, Directorate of Fostering Networks Between Commissions and Institutions (Dit. PJKAKI), Corruption Eradication Commission of Republic of Indonesia (KPK RI), for sharing this information. On 9 November 2017, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) of the Republic of Indonesia, Transparency International (TI), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) organised an event on Revisiting the Jakarta Principles. The discussion focused on assuring the independence and effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies as recognised in the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). The discussion acknowledged the challenges faced by anti-corruption agencies in many regions in delivering their mandate in fighting corruption, and the importance of anti-corruption agencies in delivering the implementation of the Convention and the 2030 ...

Chinese Government rolls out trust ratings to combat corruption (commentary) .  The Chinese Government is in the process of providing every citizen with a score denoting how trustworthy they are to create a culture of reliability. Kim Darrah/World Finance: https://www.worldfinance.com/strategy/chinese-government-rolls-out-trust-ratings-to-combat-corruption Civil society and local media join to fight corruption in Afghanistan's northeast .  Civil society in Afghanistan's northeast is forming stronger partnerships with local media to generate public discussion and advocacy around issues of crucial importance to local communities. United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan: https://unama.unmissions.org/civil-society-and-local-media-join-fight-corruption-afghanistan%E2%80%99s-northeast Corruption: causes, consequences and remedies (commentary) .  "Law enforcement alone is not going to stamp out corruption because it does not ad...

Bangladesh: the professional road to end corruption .  Strengthening Public Expenditure Management Program (SPEMP) is a World Bank-funded project to provide training to auditors in the Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General (OCAG) in Bangladesh.  Jade Quarrell/Public Finance International: http://www.publicfinanceinternational.org/feature/2017/11/bangladesh-professional-road-end-corruption (Free registration required to access article). Bangladesh anti-graft agency to rate complaints it receives – 30 points for corruption over Tk1 crore .  The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has introduced a 100-point grading system to rate the complaints it receives, in a bid to ensure transparency and impartiality in its treatment of the allegations. Dhaka Tribune: http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/corruption/2017/11/01/acc-rating-complaints/ Mounting Illicit Financial Outflows from South .  The latest Global Financi...

10 November 2017 - "We all have a duty to speak out against corruption wherever it occurs, so that the future is free of this poisonous crime," UNODC's Executive Director Yury Fedotov said today. He added: "We cannot do this alone. Ending corruption will take everyone's commitment and determination." Mr. Fedotov said that, with each passing COSP session, the world moved closer to achieving: the universal adoption of UNCAC as the world's most powerful anti-corruption tool; a unique and highly successful implementation review mechanism that binds all countries together in spirited partnership; and a powerful global alliance aimed at ending corruption. He said this was the first COSP session, since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including Goal 16 on peaceful and inclusive societies, that targeted substantial reductions in corruption. Mr. Fedotov told participants: "Because of corruption's dist...

10 November 2017- This week's Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (COSP) continues to be a platform for civil society organizations and Governments to share best practices in its review mechanism. On the margins of the Conference (6-10 November), the UNODC Civil Society Team (CST) organized a side event, bringing together various stakeholders to discuss best practices in the UNCAC review. Organized in partnership with the UNCAC Coalition, the event showcased the results of successful cooperation between Mauritius and Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities and their civil society counterparts. In her opening remarks, Petra Schirnhofer from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) said: "The role of civil society in fighting corruption is more effective when their respective governments listen to them." A representative from the Civil Society Network against Corruption in Mauritius underscored the importance of involving diff...

Get AP-INTACT posts on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/apintactnetwork ) If a link below does not work, please copy and paste the link into your browser's address bar instead. Developing countries call for EITI reform after US exit .   Developing country and civil society representatives have called for the  Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative  to be reformed to reduce the influence of the United States government and powerful U.S. oil companies after the country's  decision to withdraw  from the program last week. Sophie Edwards/DevEx: https://www.devex.com/news/developing-countries-call-for-eiti-reform-after-us-exit-91467 Paradise Papers Add to Indonesian To-Do List for Asset Recovery .  The "Paradise Papers," millions of leaked confidential documents on offshore investments, cite several prominent politicians in the world's fourth largest country, Indonesia. Krithika Varagur/Voice of America: htt...

Get AP-INTACT posts on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/apintactnetwork ) If a link below does not work, please copy and paste the link into your browser's address bar instead. OECD 2018 Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum .  In the run up to the 2018 Forum , the OECD calls for quality conceptual papers, as well as qualitative and quantitative empirical research papers focused on topics related to integrity, inclusive growth and policy capture.  OECD: http://www.oecd.org/corruption/integrity-forum/academic-papers/ Taking action against corruption, and for climate protection .  This film about the management of climate protection funds in Bangladesh is produced by Transparency International with funding support from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) of the Federal Republic of Germany.  Deutsche Welle: http://www.dw.com/en/taking-action-against-corruption-and-for-...

Get AP-INTACT posts on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/apintactnetwork ) If a link below does not work, please copy and paste the link into your browser's address bar instead. COSP7 event on sports corruption looks to international organizations for answers.   "Countries are vital for legislating against sports' corruption, but international organizations also need a voice to show how this crime can be stopped," said session moderator and staff member of UNODC, Ronan O'Laoire. UNODC: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2017/November/cosp7-event-on-sports-corruption-looks-to-international-organizations-for-answers.html?ref=fs1 UNODC develops new animated series to help promote primary-level ethics education.   At CoSP7, UNODC unveiled "The Zorbs", a new cartoon campaign to promote ethics and values teaching to primary school children. UNODC: http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2017/November/unodc-develops-new-animated-s...

Get AP-INTACT posts on Twitter ( https://twitter.com/apintactnetwork ) If a link below does not work, please copy and paste the link into your browser’s address bar instead. Loophole plug urged for graft law after hung juries . According to University of Hong Kong law professor Eric Cheung Tat-ming and lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting, formerly a graft-buster with the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the failure of two juries to convict former Hong Kong chief executive Donald Tsang on a bribery charge has highlighted the defect in the anti-corruption law that gives the chief executive more freedom to accept an advantage. Phoebe Ng & Phoenix Un/The Standard: http://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news.php?id=189329&sid=11 Links between corruption and wildlife crime highlighted at UN anti-corruption conference .  The Secretariat of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNOD...

Corruption hits most vulnerable; obliterates faith in good governance, UN chief tells forum in Vienna .  Corruption can strike anywhere and deny people’s hope of a better future, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the world’s largest anti-corruption forum which opened Monday in Vienna, while urging global leaders to set positive examples and restore faith in good governance. UN News Centre: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=58036 Prosecuting corruption across borders: Eurojust — Interview with Maria Schnebli . U4's Sofie Arjon Schütte interviews Maria Schnebli, a Swiss prosecutor seconded as liaison to the European Union's Judicial Cooperation Unit (Eurojust), about her experiences and insights on facilitated cross-country collaboration in large-scale criminal investigations. U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre: https://medium.com/u4-anti-corruption-resource-centre/prosecuting-corruption-across-border...