Corruption Act Amendments: Strengthening the Fight Against Bribery and Corruption
In an effort to combat corruption and ensure transparency in public transactions, the government has introduced amendments to the Corruption Act. These changes aim to strengthen penalties for bribery and corruption, as well as increase the Commission’s powers to detect and investigate such offenses.
New Measures to Combat Corruption
Bribery for Procuring Contracts
The Act now criminalizes the act of giving or receiving bribes to secure contracts with public bodies. Any individual found guilty of this offense will face penal servitude for a term not exceeding 10 years.
Conflict of Interests
Public officials are now required to disclose any direct or indirect interest in a company, partnership, or undertaking that is proposing to deal with the public body they serve on. Failure to do so will result in an offense punishable by penal servitude for a term not exceeding 10 years.
Treating Public Officials
The Act also prohibits the act of offering gratifications to public officials while having dealings with their employer. This offense carries a maximum penalty of penal servitude for a term not exceeding 10 years.
Strengthening the Fight Against Corruption
Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)
To combat corruption, the government has established an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). The ICAC will be responsible for:
- Educating the public against corruption
- Detecting and investigating acts of corruption
- Monitoring the implementation of contracts awarded by public bodies
- Advising public bodies on ways to eliminate corruption
- Cooperating with international institutions in the fight against money laundering and corruption
Increased Penalties
The amendments have also increased penalties for corruption offenses. Public officials found guilty of bribery or corruption can now face fines ranging from MUR 500,000 to MUR 1 million, as well as penal servitude for a term not exceeding 10 years.
Public Education Campaign
As part of its efforts to combat corruption, the ICAC will launch a public education campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of corruption and the importance of ethical behavior in public life. The Commission will also enlist and foster public support in combating corruption and cooperate with other statutory corporations to achieve this goal.
Conclusion
The amendments to the Corruption Act come into effect immediately, signaling a new era in the fight against corruption in Mauritius. These changes demonstrate the government’s commitment to eradicating corruption and ensuring transparency in public transactions.