Financial Crime World

CORRUPTION WATCHDOG UNDER FIRE FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH COOPERATION AGREEMENT

The Anti-Corruption Authority Bill 2022, aimed at combating corruption in Gibraltar, has come under scrutiny due to the authority’s failure to adhere to a cooperation agreement.

Non-Compliance with Cooperation Agreement

According to the agreement, the authority is required to notify relevant parties before initiating an investigation into suspected corrupt conduct. However, sources close to the matter have confirmed that this protocol has not been followed in several cases.

  • “The Anti-Corruption Authority’s failure to comply with the cooperation agreement is a serious breach of trust and raises concerns about its commitment to transparency and accountability,” said a senior government official.
  • The authority is also required to provide regular updates to relevant parties during an investigation. However, sources have reported that these updates were not provided in several cases, leaving those affected by the investigations feeling left in the dark.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

The authority’s failure to comply with the cooperation agreement has raised concerns about its ability to effectively investigate suspected corrupt conduct. The lack of transparency and accountability has also led to doubts about the organization’s commitment to combating corruption.

  • “This lack of transparency and accountability is exactly what we are trying to prevent with the Anti-Corruption Authority,” said a local resident. “How can we trust an organization that cannot even follow its own procedures?”
  • The authority’s non-compliance has also raised concerns about public trust in the system. A local business leader emphasized the need for an independent and effective corruption watchdog.

Government Investigation

The government has announced an investigation into the matter, with several senior officials called to testify.

  • In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the Anti-Corruption Authority stated that the organization takes any accusations of non-compliance seriously and is cooperating fully with the investigation.

Overall, the authority’s failure to comply with the cooperation agreement has significant implications for its ability to effectively combat corruption in Gibraltar. The need for transparency and accountability is crucial in maintaining public trust in the system.