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
Why eliminating corruption is crucial to sustainability
The Guardian (blog), UK
Ethical business practices are a critical aspect of sustainability, yet progress towards eliminating bribery and corruption appears to be elusive.
OECD criticizes corruption enforcement in Japan, Italy and Switzerland
The Wall Street Journal (Corruption Currents), U.S.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Thursday said the governments of Japan, Italy and Switzerland aren’t doing enough to fight bribery of foreign officials.
Africa
Q&A: Cameroon corruption court will end delays in trials - official
TrustLaw, Senegal
Cameroon has set up a special court to try corruption cases as the country tackles massive embezzlement of public funds and high level graft. But the law potentially allows for defendants to avoid trial if they repay misappropriated funds.
South Sudan parliament calls for action against corruption
Sudan Tribune, South Sudan
South Sudan’s parliament has postponed deliberations on corruption, which took place in 2005 and 2006, apparently due to lack of copies of the auditor’s report covering the period.
Nigeria's anti-graft agency in raids over fuel importation probe
BBC, UK
Nigerian anti-corruption officers have raided the offices of the agency which regulates the sale of fuel, as people return to work after the end of a week-long strike over the cost of petrol.
South Asia & Asia-Pacific
Malaysia ant-graft agency to monitor judge’s assets
TrustLaw, UK
Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has set up a taskforce charged with creating a mechanism to implement and monitor the declaration of assets by Malaysian judges.
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia
A rising star of the People's Liberation Army has promised a ''do-or-die'' fight against powerful corrupt generals, bringing military politics to the fore in the middle of a critical leadership transition.
Maldivian army arrests senior judge Abdulla Mohamed
BBC, UK
The Maldivian army has arrested a senior judge in the criminal court for alleged corruption. A government statement said the judge, Abdulla Mohamed, had allowed "his judicial decisions to be determined by political and personal affiliations".
Middle East
Corruption in Iraq: 'Your son is being tortured. He will die if you don't pay'
The Guardian, UK
Families of innocent detainees are facing extortion from corrupt officials in Baghdad.
Bahrain may set up anti-corruption panel
Gulf Daily News, Bahrain
Bahrain could be set to create an independent commission to fight corruption. The Bahrain Transparency Society (BTS) says although the country ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) last year, it will need to take further steps to ensure it meets its obligations.
Spoils of former Tunisian president’s regime remain elusive
The Financial Times, UK (subscription required)
A year after Tunisia’s president fled a revolution fuelled in part by the corruption of his regime, huge amounts of the money controlled and invested by his family and allies remain out of the reach of the country’s people and new government.
Europe
Protests over austerity cuts, corruption continue across Romania
MSNBC, U.S.
Protests continued across Romania, as hundreds gathered in the capital city Bucharest and in about 40 other cities, calling for President Traian Basescu’s resignation and denouncing the government’s austerity measures and systemic corruption.
Russia’s parliament passes OECD's anti-bribery act
The Moscow Times, Russia
In its first session of the New Year, the newly elected State Duma completed a key step in Russia's efforts to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's by ratifying the group's anti-bribery convention.
Slovak politics rocked by 'Gorilla' corruption scandal
EurActiv, Belgium
Slovak politicians head into elections embroiled in a massive corruption probe prompted by the publication of an alleged intelligence file code-named 'Gorilla'. It suggests that members of leading political parties colluded with financiers in privatisation and public procurement projects.
North America
Civil society lobbies U.S. Congress on bribery law
TrustLaw, U.S.
A coalition of more than 30 civil society and business groups has sent a letter to every member of the U.S. Congress urging them not to amend the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
Corruption trial of former Toronto drug squad cops begins
The Vancouver Sun, Canada
A group of former police drug squad officers from the Canadian city of Toronto allegedly attempted to obstruct the course of justice in a wide-ranging conspiracy that involved assaulting and robbing drug dealers, a Superior Court jury heard.
Latin America
Bogota opens graft investigation into U-20 World Cup
TrustLaw, Colombia
Bogota’s top investigating agency has opened an enquiry into alleged irregularities over the awarding of contracts during the Under-20 FIFA Football World Cup hosted by Colombia last year..
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