Our selection of this week's anti-corruption stories from TrustLaw and other media
LONDON (TrustLaw) - Here is our selection of this week’s anti-corruption stories from TrustLaw and other media:
Global
FIFA appoints Swiss anti-graft expert Pieth to lead ‘solutions committee’
AP/Washington Post, U.S.
FIFA has appointed Swiss anti-corruption expert Mark Pieth to lead reform of soccer’s world governing body following a series of scandals.
Africa
ANALYSIS-Tsar sacking unlikely to curb Nigerian graft
TrustLaw, UK
The sacking this week of Nigeria’s anti-graft chief may give the country’s fight against corruption a short-term boost, but significant change is unlikely without deeper reforms to the justice system, analysts say.
Nigeria anti-graft czar fired out of blue
TrustLaw, UK
The head of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency was unexpectedly fired with immediate effect on Wednesday, following a statement issued by the president’s office.
Corruption in southern Africa on the increase – report
TrustLaw, UK
Nearly two thirds of people in southern Africa believe corruption increased over the last three years, according to a new report from anti-graft watchdog Transparency International.
Technology helps Africans hold governments to account - experts
TrustLaw, UK
The growing use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Africa offers great potential for citizens to assess their governments’ commitment to good governance and accountability, experts say.
South Asia & Asia-Pacific
Bollywood actor Om Puri says sorry for slur on lawmakers
BBC, UK
Veteran Bollywood actor Om Puri has written a letter to the speaker of India's parliament apologising for insulting politicians at an anti-corruption rally in August.
India agriculture minister gets slapped for rising inflation and graft
The Economic Times, India
A Delhi youth slapped India’s agriculture minister in the face, apparently to draw attention to graft and high food prices.
Australian former Labor lawmaker charged with corruption
The Australian, Australia
A former Labor party lawmaker from the Australian state of New South Wales has been charged with several corruption-related offences after being accused by the state's corruption watchdog of misusing public funds and lying to investigators.
Middle East
Jordan PM highlights importance of fight corruption
Jordan News Agency, Jordan
Jordan’s Prime Minister Awn Khasawneh stressed the importance of fighting corruption as a religious and moral duty, adding that preserving Jordan’s image comes through tackling graft, not covering it up.
Kuwait tense as corruption row boils over
The Financial Times, UK (subscription required)
Political tension is mounting in Kuwait before a proposed grilling of the prime minister next week by opposition lawmakers over corruption allegations.
Europe
UK lawmaker asks fraud agency to investigate Fifa corruption claims
The Guardian, UK
A British lawmaker has written to the UK’s Serious Fraud Office, asking it to investigate allegations that Fifa members asked for money and an honour during England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.
UK anti-graft agency eyes probe into F1 bribery allegations
The Financial Times, UK (subscription required)
The UK’s Serious Fraud Office is examining whether to conduct its own investigation into the bribery allegations surrounding Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One chief, who has admitted paying almost $23m to a German banker standing trial in Munich on corruption charges.
North America
Canadian firm launches IPO amid graft probe
Calgary Herald, Canada
A private oil explorer based in Calgary, Canada, is appealing to public markets for money to develop oil and gas leases in Chad while internally investigating whether it and certain founding shareholders broke laws through business dealings in the African country.
Corruption case against NY developer is to end
New York Times, U.S.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have agreed to drop charges against a real estate developer who was charged in a political corruption case that ensnared a state senator and seven other people.
Quebec’s anti-corruption head downplays early retirements
CBC News, Canada
The head of the anti-corruption task force in Quebec, a graft hit province of Canada, is denying suggestions of internal dissent and disarray after three more members announced they are retiring early.
Latin America
El Salvador on drive to clean up corrupt police force
TrustLaw, Colombia
At least 350 police officers in El Salvador have been fired over misconduct and corruption in the last two years as part of a clean-up of the country’s police force.
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