Financial Crime World

Corruption and Economic Crimes: New Search Powers for Investigative Agency

The government has recently given investigative agency, the Commission, new powers to search premises and seize documents in an effort to strengthen its fight against corruption and economic crimes.

Enhanced Investigation Capabilities

Under the Evidence Act (Cap. 80), the Commission can now enter and search any premises with a warrant if it suspects that records, property or other items related to corruption or economic crimes are being hidden. This new power is aimed at combating corruption and economic crimes, which have been on the rise in recent years.

New Search Powers and Seizures

The Commission’s new powers will allow it to conduct more effective searches and seizures, which will aid in its investigations and help bring corrupt individuals to justice. Specifically, the agency can now:

  • Require individuals under investigation or those charged with corruption or economic crimes to surrender their travel documents, a move aimed at preventing them from fleeing the country.
  • Arrest individuals suspected of corruption or economic crimes without a warrant, and detain them pending the conclusion of investigations.

Quarterly Reports and Accountability

The Commission is required to prepare quarterly reports on its activities, including statistics on:

  • The number of cases investigated and prosecuted
  • Any recommendations made for prosecution
  • Whether any recommendations were not accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions

These reports will provide transparency into the agency’s work and ensure accountability.

Impact and Concerns

The new powers have been welcomed by anti-corruption advocates, who say they will help strengthen the fight against corruption and economic crimes. However, some critics have expressed concerns about:

  • The potential misuse of the powers
  • The need for greater transparency and accountability in the investigation and prosecution process

Conclusion

Overall, the new search powers and other measures aimed at combating corruption and economic crimes are seen as a step in the right direction towards building a more transparent and accountable society.