Financial Crime World

Implementation of the Convention Against Corruption in Armenia: Key Findings

The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) has published a report on the implementation of the Convention against Corruption in Armenia. The report covers various aspects of corruption prevention and combating in Armenia, including criminalisation of corruption offences, law enforcement and prosecution, international cooperation, and asset recovery.

Criminalisation of Corruption Offences

Armenia has implemented the necessary legislative provisions to criminalise corruption offences. However, there is a need for further clarification on certain aspects of the legislation. This includes:

  • Definition of corruption: Armenia needs to clarify the definition of corruption in its legislation to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
  • Scope of corruption offences: The report recommends that Armenia expand the scope of corruption offences to include other forms of corruption, such as bribery and embezzlement.

Law Enforcement and Prosecution

Armenia’s law enforcement agencies face challenges in investigating corruption cases. These include:

  • Lack of resources: Law enforcement agencies lack sufficient resources and expertise to effectively investigate corruption cases.
  • Cooperation with citizens: The report recommends that Armenia enhance cooperation between law enforcement authorities and citizens to increase transparency and accountability.

International Cooperation

Armenia has established a legal framework for extradition, mutual legal assistance, and transfer of sentenced persons based on the Convention against Corruption. However, there is a need for further development of these procedures to ensure effective implementation. This includes:

  • Streamlining procedures: Armenia needs to streamline its procedures for extradition, mutual legal assistance, and transfer of sentenced persons.
  • Increasing cooperation with other countries: The report recommends that Armenia increase its cooperation with other countries to combat corruption effectively.

Asset Recovery

Armenia has not yet implemented an asset recovery programme. This is essential for combating corruption and ensuring that corrupt officials are held accountable for their actions.

Recommendations

The report provides several recommendations to support Armenia in strengthening its anti-corruption framework and promoting a culture of integrity throughout the country. These include:

  • Strengthening legislation: Armenia needs to strengthen its legislation on corruption prevention and combating.
  • Enhancing law enforcement capacity: The report recommends that Armenia enhance its law enforcement capacity to effectively investigate corruption cases.
  • Increasing international cooperation: Armenia needs to increase its cooperation with other countries to combat corruption effectively.
  • Implementing asset recovery programme: Armenia should implement an asset recovery programme to ensure that corrupt officials are held accountable for their actions.