Financial Crime World

Bhutan’s Anti-Corruption Commission Sees Spike in Complaints

Rise in Corruption Cases

Thimphu, Bhutan - The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has registered 435 cases in the fiscal year 2021-2022, a significant increase from previous years. According to the ACC’s annual report, the number of complaints against government agencies and officials has risen substantially.

Breakdown of Complaints

  • A total of 219 complaints came from known sources.
  • The remaining 216 complaints were anonymous.
  • Abuse of functions led with 151 cases.
  • Embezzlement accounted for 23 cases.
  • Bribery was reported in 13 cases.
  • False claims were made in 5 cases.
  • Conflict of interest occurred in 3 cases.
  • Money laundering was detected in 2 cases.
  • Other cases totaled 64.

Highest Number of Complaints

The Local Government (LG) constituted the highest number of complaints at 107 cases, followed by:

  • LG in Paro with 35 cases
  • LG in Punakha with 20 cases
  • LG in Thimphu with 52 cases

Top Ministries Involved

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forests led among ministries with 10 cases, followed by:

  • Health Ministry with 8 cases
  • Ministry of Information and Communications with 6 cases

Investigations and Convictions

During the year, the commission opened 32 new cases and completed investigations into 30 of them. The ACC conducted sting operations in Phuentsholing, intercepting four trucks carrying undervalued goods on December 15, 2021.

  • Between July 2021 and June 2022, the ACC executed 17 search and seizure operations.
  • A total of 24 suspects were detained.
  • 127 defendants were charged with corruption and other criminal offenses.
  • Of these, 109 were convicted, 14 acquitted, and four deferred judgment.

Budget Constraints

Despite a significant increase in complaints, the ACC faces budget constraints. The approved budget for FY 2022-2023 has declined to Nu 133.009 million compared to the previous year’s total budget of Nu 170.224 million. This may hinder the commission’s ability to fulfill its envisioned aims and objectives.

The ACC is likely to face challenges in realizing its goals with a reduced budget, given the dire economic and financial situation in the country.