When a corruption probe is launched, it involves a thorough investigation into alleged bribery, embezzlement or other forms of corrupt behaviour. It can be conducted internally by an organisation (through disciplinary procedures) or externally by regulatory or criminal processes.
In many jurisdictions, police and specialised anti-crime agencies play a central role in investigating and preventing corruption. They have a broad range of investigative tools at their disposal, including questioning witnesses, analysing documents and records and intercepting telecommunications.
The challenge of conducting a corruption probe is that grand corruption is rarely proved through one piece of evidence; rather, it requires a jigsaw approach to assembling the evidence. Therefore, a good investigation requires a strong team of people who are highly experienced in this area of law enforcement.
It is also essential that organisations have clear protocols on how to decide whether or not to pursue reports of corruption. This is because a lack of guidelines on when to open investigations can lead to arbitrary decisions about which cases merit investigation.
For example, at the New Orleans FBI field office, public corruption was prioritised ahead of cyber crime because of its significant impact on local residents. As a result, the bureau saw a significant increase in the number of public corruption matters opened at its location. In contrast, at other field offices, the number of public corruption cases opened remained relatively stable. This is an unacceptable situation, as combating corruption protects the rule of law, rebuilds trust in governments and societies, fosters safer communities, deters future corruption and improves lives in tangible ways.
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