Our weekly selection of 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:
Africa
South Africa at corruption ‘tipping point’, says prosecutor
Independent Online, South Africa
South Africa is at a “tipping point” in its battle against “endemic” corruption, Public Protector Thuli Madonsela said. If corruption were not decisively dealt with it had the potential to “distort the economy and derail democracy”, she told a conference.
Nigeria judge throws out graft charges against Nigeria bank CEO
Washington Post (AP), Nigeria
A federal judge in Nigeria dismissed charges against a former bank CEO accused in a massive mismanagement scheme that nearly brought down the country’s financial sector.
South Asia & Asia-Pacific
Delays, corruption mar India’s weapons procurement
The New York Times, U.S.
Government officials say India’s weapon’s procurement system is marred by bureaucratic delays, corruption and poor long-term planning.
World Bank cries fraud, graft in India highways projects
The Indian Express, India
A report prepared by the World Bank has listed “fraudulent and corrupt” practices by private Indian contractors working on national highway projects funded by it, and sought a thorough investigation into the matter.
In China press, best coverage cash can buy
The New York Times, U.S.
China is notorious for censoring politically delicate news coverage. But it is more than willing to let flattering news about Western and Asian businesses appear in print and broadcast media — if the price is right.
Half of Vietnamese firms 'bribe officials'
AFP, Vietnam
Nearly 50 percent of Vietnamese companies admit to bribing officials in order to bid on contracts, a new survey shows, but experts say the real figure could be far higher.
Europe
Dmitry Medvedev's new assault on corruption in Russia
Daily Telegraph, UK
Russia's outgoing president Dmitry Medvedev is drawing up a new policy roadmap in the continuing fight against corruption within the state bureaucracy.
Greek crisis shrinks petty bribery problem
The Wall Street Journal (Corruption Currents), U.S.
Petty bribery shrunk by about 12% in Greece amid the country’s economic crisis, the local chapter of anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International said.
Volvo execs convicted for Saddam-era bribes
The Local, Sweden
Two former Swedish executives with Volvo's construction equipment subsidiary were convicted of paying bribes to the regime of Saddam Hussein to bypass restrictions related to the United Nations’ Oil-for-Food Programme.
Babies left to die in Romanian hospitals as doctors refuse to work without bribes
The Independent, UK
Dr Catalin Cirstoveanu runs a cardio unit with state-of-the-art equipment at a Bucharest children's hospital. But not a single child has been treated in the year and a half since it opened. The reason? Medical staff he needs to bring in to run the machinery would have expected bribes.
Americas
U.S. framework for regulating political funds weakens
TrustLaw, UK
The U.S. framework for regulating political parties’ funds has weakened in the past two years, largely due to a 2010 Supreme Court decision on campaign financing, according to a new study by anti-corruption watchdog Global Integrity.
Dominican authorities probe Haiti reconstruction contracts
TrustLaw, Colombia
Dominican prosecutors have launched a probe into allegations of corruption involving a local senator whose companies won tens of millions of dollars in construction contracts following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
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