Financial Crime World

Anti-Corruption Efforts in Brunei Darussalam: A Progress Report

Overview

This report highlights the anti-corruption efforts of the government of Brunei Darussalam, including notable cases and strategies employed to combat corruption and money laundering.

Key Developments

Conviction of Pg Chong

  • 2013 Conviction: In 2013, Pg Chong was convicted of 34 charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, four charges of cheating, and two charges of fraudulently destroying documents.
  • Sentencing: He was sentenced to six years and four months’ imprisonment.

Benefit Recovery Order

  • 2014 Order: After Pg Chong’s conviction, a benefit recovery order was made under the Criminal Assets Recovery Order (CARO), requiring him to pay SGD $219,838.10 and USD $326,174.55 (BND $250,903.50) within nine months.
  • Funds Repatriation: Over BND$800,000 from Pg Chong’s Singapore bank accounts were finally repatriated to Brunei Darussalam in November 2014 and placed in the Criminal Assets Confiscation Fund.

First Money-Laundering Conviction

  • PP v Pg Husin bin Pg Sulaiman (2018): In a separate case, Brunei Darussalam had its first money-laundering conviction, where the defendant was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for 17 counts of cheating and 20 counts of money laundering.

Financial Investigations

  • Corruption Cases: The government has also conducted financial investigations into cases involving corruption, including one involving Minister of Development (D1) and D2, a businessman whose company is in land development.
  • Conviction and Restitution: Both defendants were convicted and ordered to pay restitution under section 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

International Cooperation

  • Open Door Policy: The Attorney General’s Chambers practices an “open door policy” with law enforcement agencies regarding international cooperation, which is essential for combating transnational crime.

Conclusion

To effectively combat corruption and money laundering, Brunei Darussalam must ensure that it has solid evidence and established links between the asset and the crime to obtain a confiscation order via the court. Constant training and sharing of good practices are also necessary to stay ahead of emerging threats.