A corruption probe is an investigation into bribery and other forms of corrupt behaviour. These investigations can be undertaken by organisations through internal disciplinary procedures or by external law enforcement agencies or anti-corruption commissions. It is vital that such investigations are conducted thoroughly and impartially.
One of the most common ways to discover corruption is for people to report it. This is often done through whistle-blowing mechanisms that are facilitated by reporting channels, such as telephone hotlines or emails. This type of reporting is a crucial tool for detecting corruption, and some States even have laws or incentives to encourage this, such as penalty mitigation.
Another way to detect corruption is through media reporting, which can prompt organisations and law enforcement agencies to conduct their own investigations. Often, investigative journalism functions as the “eyes and ears” of citizens, and in many countries it is essential for anti-corruption efforts.
Corruption investigations can be extremely complicated and time-consuming, especially in cases that involve alleged illegal transactions that cross multiple jurisdictions. In such instances, prosecutors must carefully weigh the evidence in order to determine whether to prosecute. It is also important for investigators to know how to approach witnesses, and what to look for in terms of circumstantial evidence. For instance, grand corruption is rarely proved through a single piece of evidence; it is typically a case of putting together several pieces of evidence like a jigsaw and making a clear picture of corrupt behaviour.
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