A corruption probe is an investigation into bribery, embezzlement and other forms of corrupt behaviour. It may be carried out by internal organisation disciplinary processes or by external law enforcement agencies and anti-corruption commissions. Grand corruption is rarely proved by a single piece of evidence, but rather, a number of pieces like a jigsaw are put together to demonstrate the bribery or fraud (see here for an example).
Corruption undermines political, social and economic stability and can threaten the safety and security of societies as a whole, making it one of the world’s most pressing issues. It happens through a variety of mechanisms: bribes paid to public officials, the misdirection of company funds, shell companies, skimming foreign aid money, scams and electoral fraud. It is often hidden behind a veil of secrecy and opaque financial systems, and it adapts to changing circumstances, rules and laws.
It is important for organisations and states to develop clear and transparent systems to receive reports of corruption. Without such systems it is easy for limited resources and time to skew which corruption cases are investigated by whom, and whether any action is taken.
It is also important for investigative bodies to have a good understanding of how to conduct a corruption probe. To ensure that the investigation is robust, it is essential to prepare a clear investigative plan before the interviews and consider the best strategy for obtaining cooperative witnesses and helpful admissions. Read more on our page about interviewing a cooperating witness.