Latest news with #UNCAC

Africa loses $88.6 billion each year to illegal money transfers

Business Insider

6 hours ago

Business
Business Insider

Africa loses $88.6 billion each year to illegal money transfers

Africa is losing an estimated US$88.6 billion annually to illicit financial flows, according to a recent report by Ghana's Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC). Africa loses an estimated $88.6 billion annually to illicit financial flows, impacting economic development. Ghana achieved 42 convictions for money laundering-related offences in 2023, reflecting progress in combating these issues. Efforts include enhanced legal cooperation and institutional strengthening to address financial crimes across borders effectively. These losses are significantly undermining foreign direct investment (FDI), development assistance, and national efforts to drive economic transformation across the continent. The illicit outflows, driven by capital flight, tax evasion, money laundering, and proceeds of crimes such as bribery, corruption, and illegal mining, continue to rob African countries of essential resources required for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and sustainable development. Ghana records 42 money laundering convictions in 2023 Ghana's FIC revealed that in 2023, the country secured 42 convictions for money laundering-related offences. Fraud was the most common offence, accounting for 22 convictions, followed by forgery (17) and drug trafficking (3). FIC calls for National support to tackle financial crime At a sensitisation forum held in Tamale in the Northern Region, FIC representative Madam Yvette Anthea Owusu addressed members of the media and civil society, highlighting the damaging impact of illicit financial flows on national development. 'These acts make it difficult for countries to access the funds required to execute development projects for economic growth,' she noted. The forum, themed 'Building Political Will and Public Support for Asset Recovery in Ghana', was organised by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) with support from the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). The initiative, spanning three months and covering five regions, aims to raise awareness of asset recovery processes, legal frameworks, and institutional roles in fighting corruption. Madam Owusu acknowledged Ghana's gradual progress in asset recovery, attributing gains to stronger cooperation between key institutions such as the FIC, revenue and security agencies, and international counterparts. 'Ghana is gradually making progress in the asset recovery regime despite existing challenges, owing to stringent measures put in place to curb money laundering,' she said. Referencing Article 13 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), she underscored the role of civil society and the media in combating corruption. The article calls for public participation and the inclusion of non-governmental organisations in anti-corruption measures. She also highlighted Ghana's ongoing mutual legal assistance with other jurisdictions to prosecute cross-border financial crimes. Call for stronger media involvement and government support Madam Owusu encouraged journalists to serve as watchdogs in collaboration with civil society organisations (CSOs) to educate the public and help trace illicit assets. 'Investigative journalism plays a critical role in the fight against corruption,' she stressed. Benjamin Ndego, representing the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), emphasised the importance of public trust and transparency in asset recovery efforts. He said EOCO is increasing the use of legal tools, including plea bargaining, to improve outcomes and reduce costs. He also appealed for more funding, legal resources, and public awareness support from the government, CSOs, and development partners. Media and CSOs key to building asset recovery awareness Speaking on the rationale behind the outreach programme, Solomon Nyankah of the GACC said the initiative was necessary due to Ghana's ongoing losses from illicit financial activities. 'We initiated this project because we recognised a need to educate the public, especially media and CSOs, about the asset recovery regime and the importance of their roles in informing the wider population,' he explained.

Bid to combat corruption, promote good governance

Arab Times

25-06-2025

Politics
Arab Times

Bid to combat corruption, promote good governance

KUWAIT CITY, June 25: Assistant Secretary General for Prevention at Kuwait Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) Eng. Abrar Al-Hamad has underscored the importance of activating job codes as a requirement of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). Al-Hamad made the statement at the opening of the introductory workshops for the 'Adaa' initiative, held by Nazaha for the third consecutive year, with 118 participants from 27 government agencies. According to Al-Hamad, 'Adaa' is an initiative that aligns with the strategy of Kuwait to enhance integrity, combat corruption and promote good governance. Meanwhile, Yasmine Al-Sharhan -- Civil Society Cooperation Monitor at Nazaha and Director of 'Adaa' initiative to implement codes of conduct in the public sector -- talked about the general objectives and the implementation mechanism for various phases of the project. She pointed out that the code of conduct is an essential tool in promoting integrity and transparency, ensuring a fair work environment that consolidates the principles of accountability and equal opportunities, and preventing the risks of corruption, as stipulated in Chapter II of the UNCAC. She revealed that the initiative has benefited more than 24,000 employees since its launch, indicating the number of entities joining the 'Adaa has reached 27, including five entities at the gold level, eight at the silver level, and 14 entities at the bronze level. She added that the project requirements include administrative, institutional awareness, training and development, and measuring behavior and impact. On the other hand, Awareness and Education Supervisor at Nazaha Dr. Hassan Al-Sabbagha stated that 'Adaa' aims to raise awareness on the Code of Professional Conduct, in cooperation with the Civil Service Commission. He added the initiative focuses on achieving three basic levels: bronze, silver and gold. He disclosed that the educational workshops included in the project are considered a roadmap for the entities joining 'Adaa', so that they have an action plan to follow in the current year to fully implement the project.

At UN meet, Nazaha chief reiterates Saudi Arabia's determination to fight corruption

Saudi Gazette

18-06-2025

Politics
Saudi Gazette

At UN meet, Nazaha chief reiterates Saudi Arabia's determination to fight corruption

Saudi Gazette report VIENNA — Mazin Al-Kahmous, president of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), reiterated Saudi Arabia's determination to fight corruption. Leading the Saudi delegation to the 16th session of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) meetings at the United Nations office in Vienna, he said that Saudi Arabia has adopted a comprehensive institutional approach to promoting integrity and fighting corruption. The session, which started on June 16, will conclude on June 20. In his speech, Al-Kahmous expressed his gratitude to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the session's organizers for their efforts in facilitating the exchange of experiences and initiatives aimed at strengthening preventive measures to combat corruption. The Nazaha chief affirmed that the Kingdom, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the directives of its political leadership, has adopted a comprehensive institutional approach to promoting integrity and fighting corruption. He noted that this approach is embodied in Nazaha, an independent body vested with broad powers to carry out its mandate and fulfill its responsibilities with impartiality. "The Kingdom's participation in this session reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing international anti-corruption initiatives and engaging with the global community to foster integrity and transparency. It also aims to benefit from the experiences of states, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and to exchange expertise in line with the provisions of UNCAC and consistent with Saudi Vision 2030, which identifies governance, transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption as core pillars," he added.

- Malaysia's Commitment to Fighting Corruption Through UNCAC

Barnama

30-05-2025

Business
Barnama

- Malaysia's Commitment to Fighting Corruption Through UNCAC

Opinions on topical issues from thought leaders, columnists and editors. The second cycle (2015–2019), conducted by Timor-Leste and Eswatini, focused on Chapter II (Preventive Measures) and Chapter V (Asset Recovery). Under UNCAC's Implementation Review Mechanism (IRM), Malaysia completed two cycles of peer review. In the first cycle (2012–2013), the Philippines and Kenya reviewed Malaysia's compliance with Chapter III (Criminalisation and Law Enforcement) and Chapter IV (International Cooperation). Malaysia signed the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) on 9 December 2003 and ratified it on 24 September 2008. This important decision marked a new chapter in Malaysia's efforts to fight corruption. Since then, Malaysia has introduced significant reforms and implemented measures aligned with international standards as required by UNCAC. The reviews also identified 35 good practices, highlighting Malaysia's notable progress and adherence to UNCAC's standards: From these reviews, Malaysia received 22 recommendations aimed at strengthening its legal framework, institutions, and processes in areas of prevention, criminalisation, international cooperation, and asset recovery. Malaysia in UNCAC review mechanism Malaysia actively participates as a reviewer in the UNCAC review mechanism. In 2019, Malaysia and Burkina Faso jointly reviewed Palestine, with Malaysia reviewing Chapter V (Asset Recovery) and Burkina Faso reviewing Chapter II (Preventive Measures). In 2020, Malaysia partnered with North Macedonia to review Georgia, where Malaysia assessed Chapter V (Asset Recovery), and North Macedonia reviewed Chapter II (Preventive Measures). Currently, Malaysia is working alongside Argentina to review Vanuatu. Malaysia, having previously reviewed Chapter V (Asset Recovery), is now reviewing Chapter II (Preventive Measures), while Argentina reviews Chapter IV. These collaborative efforts demonstrate Malaysia's ongoing commitment to international cooperation in fighting corruption. Active participation of MACC in UNCAC platforms The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is Malaysia's focal agency for UNCAC matters. MACC actively participates in international UNCAC platforms such as the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Groups on Asset Recovery and Prevention of Corruption, the Implementation Review Group (IRG), and the Conference of the States Parties (CoSP). Furthermore, MACC officers regularly serve as speakers and panellists and frequently make interventions on thematic topics discussed during these meetings, showcasing Malaysia's strong presence and contributions in global anti-corruption discussions. From these reviews, Malaysia received 22 recommendations aimed at strengthening its legal framework, institutions, and processes relating to preventive measures, criminalisation, international cooperation, and asset recovery (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, 2025). Some specific recommendations highlighted by UNCAC reviewers, on which Malaysia has already taken concrete steps, include adopting a coordinated national anti-corruption strategy, enhancing the independence of anti-corruption authorities, and strengthening corporate accountability. In response to these recommendations, Malaysia launched the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) 2019 – 2023 in line with UNCAC Article 5. This comprehensive plan focused on reducing corruption risks in critical sectors such as political governance, public procurement, corporate governance, law enforcement, and judicial integrity. National Anti-Corruption Strategy Building on this initiative, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has introduced the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2028, whereby the NACS sets out five strategies and 60 sub-strategies to be carried out over its five-year duration on education, public accountability, the people's voice, enforcement, and incentives. Under UNCAC Article 6, Malaysia is revising the requirements for appointing and dismissing of the MACC Chief Commissioner, ensuring greater independence and transparency in the perception of this crucial role. Additionally, efforts are underway to propose a MACC Service Commission to provide MACC with enhanced independence and operational autonomy, including oversight over personnel matters. On criminalisation and law enforcement (UNCAC Chapter III), Malaysia amended the MACC Act 2009 by introducing corporate liability provisions (Section 17A), effective June 2020. This provision makes corporations accountable for corruption offences committed by their employees or associated individuals, aligning national legislation with UNCAC Article 26 on liability of legal persons. Throughout these reform initiatives, Malaysia prioritises inclusive engagement, involving government agencies, members of Parliament, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and international stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures reforms are practical, widely supported, and aligned with both national priorities and UNCAC standards. As Malaysia advances on its anti-corruption journey, the sustained implementation of UNCAC recommendations and active engagement on the international stage reflect a clear commitment to integrity and reform. While challenges remain, the tangible progress achieved lays a solid foundation for continued improvement. By maintaining momentum, strengthening institutional frameworks, and fostering a culture of transparency and public accountability, Malaysia has the potential to emerge as a regional and global leader in anti-corruption efforts – setting a compelling example of how consistent, principle-based action can drive lasting change. -- BERNAMA Rasidah Abdul Karim is Director of the Policy, Planning and Research Division (BDPP) at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Malaysia's commitment to fight corruption via UNCAC

Malaysiakini