Financial Crime World

BHUTAN’S ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION RECEIVES HIGH PRAISE FROM TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL

Commitment to Fighting Corruption

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bhutan has been commended by Transparency International for its continued commitment to fighting corruption in the country. The organization, which carried out a second assessment of the commission between September and December 2021, found that the ACC continues to perform exceptionally well.

Key Findings from the Assessment

  • High Performance: 66% of the 50 measured indicators were rated as high.
  • Modest Improvement: There has been modest improvement in areas such as financial and human resources, internal reporting, and external oversight.
  • Decline in Detection Capabilities: The commission’s detection and investigation capabilities have seen a slight decline.

Recommendations from Transparency International

Transparency International has called on the ACC to:

Enhance Proactive Investigations

  • Focus more on proactive investigations, particularly those based on its own intelligence gathering.
  • Develop strategies to engage with all sectors of society, including civil society and the media, in order to raise awareness about corruption and promote education.

Strengthen Anti-Corruption Efforts in Bhutan

Transparency International has urged parliament to:

Pass Amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act

  • Grant the ACC greater autonomy over its organizational structure and staff appointments.
  • Increase transparency across public sector agencies by prioritizing the passage of the Right to Information Bill.

Conclusion

Bhutan’s commitment to fighting corruption is a key aspect of its development agenda, and the country has made significant progress in recent years. However, continued efforts are needed to ensure that anti-corruption measures remain effective and that the country continues on its path towards good governance.

The ACC plays a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in Bhutan, and Transparency International’s assessment highlights the importance of supporting this institution in its work. By working together with civil society, media, and government agencies, Bhutan can continue to make progress in the fight against corruption and ensure a more equitable and prosperous future for all its citizens.

Transparency International will continue to engage with the ACC and other stakeholders in Bhutan to support the country’s efforts to combat corruption and promote good governance.