Anti-corruption Strategies Research Articles

Analysis of Theoretical Views on the Concept of Corruption and Crimes Related to Corruption in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Abstract: Corruption remains one of the most critical challenges for governance, economic development, and social stability in many countries, including Uzbekistan. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the theoretical perspectives on the concept of corruption and the legal framework surrounding crimes related to corruption under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. By examining both international and national definitions and classifications of corruption, as well as recent legal reforms, this paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how corruption is treated in Uzbek legal theory and practice. The analysis also highlights key legal provisions, judicial approaches, and challenges in combating corruption, providing a basis for future reforms and enhanced anti-corruption strategies.

Exploring Systemic and Behavioral Factors Influencing Corruption in Public Procurement: A Global Comparative Study

Public procurement is particularly vulnerable to corruption due to the substantial financial transactions and discretionary powers involved. Inadequate governance structures and cultural norms often exacerbate this vulnerability. This study explores the systemic and behavioral factors contributing to corruption in public procurement through a global comparative lens, focusing on regions including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas. Systemic factors, such as weak legal frameworks, lack of transparency, and institutional weaknesses, are analyzed alongside behavioral influences, such as cultural norms, individual ethical considerations, and moral disengagement. By conducting a comprehensive literature review, this study consolidates existing knowledge to pinpoint areas for improvement and emerging trends concerning procurement corruption. The research reveals that corruption in public procurement is deeply ingrained in both institutional frameworks and the cultural context in which procurement occurs. It recommends an integrated anti-corruption strategy combining structural reforms, such as bolstering regulatory oversight, with behavioral interventions to reshape cultural norms and foster ethical behavior. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and academics, emphasizing the necessity of tailored and multifaceted approaches to combat procurement corruption effectively. The study's results enrich the theoretical understanding of corruption by connecting structural and behavioral strategies, guiding policymakers and international organizations striving to promote transparency and accountability in public procurement.

Unintended environmental consequences of anti-corruption strategies

High agricultural profits motivate politicians to collude with local elites and ignore illegal conversion of natural forests. Fighting corruption through fiscal audits can improve local governance in general but may also unintentionally intensify such collusion and rent extraction activities within the less scrutinized forestry sector. This paper highlights such unintended consequences of a federal anti-corruption strategy in Brazil by documenting the causal effects of randomized fiscal audits on deforestation dynamics, a non-targeted outcome. Between 2003 and 2011, public audits of federal funds increased deforestation by about 10% in municipalities of the Brazilian Amazon within the first three years after the audit. The audits triggered forest loss, especially during election years, in municipalities governed by first-term mayors who managed to win re-elections afterward, and in places with a high share of cattle ranching, indicating potential collusion between local politicians and the agricultural sector.

CORRUPTION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA: DOES DATA SUPPORT “GREASE THE WHEELS” OR “SAND THE WHEELS”?

The study investigated the relationship between corruption and economic growth in Nigeria using data from 1996 to 2020. The research employed the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) method and Granger causality tests. The FMOLS results indicated that both gross fixed capital formation and urbanization significantly and positively influence economic growth in Nigeria, whereas the corruption index has a negative and significant effect, aligning with the "sand the wheels" theory. The Granger causality analysis showed a unidirectional relationship, where gross fixed capital formation Granger-causes GDP growth rate, and GDP growth rate Granger-causes both the corruption index and the relative corruption ranking in Nigeria. Based on these results, the study recommends that policymakers prioritise transparency and good governance by implementing e-governance initiatives to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and opportunities for corruption. Furthermore, there should be consistent monitoring and thorough evaluation of the impact of anti-corruption strategies on economic growth and development to ensure their effectiveness.

CORRUPTION RISKS IN THE CONTEXT OF REGIONAL FINANCIAL SECURITY: ANALYSIS BASED ON KOHONEN NEURAL NETWORKS

During the war, threats to national security related to illegal financial transactions with the aggressor country, circumvention of sanctions, fraud in the distribution of investment and humanitarian aid, earmarked funds for the reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure, and new schemes for legalizing dirty money are becoming more acute. Therefore, the study of the risks of illegal financial transactions at the regional level in Ukraine is a primary step towards understanding the specifics of corruption, identifying the main factors that shape them, and developing targeted measures to overcome them. To analyze corruption risks in the regions of Ukraine and the city of Kyiv, this article uses a base of 10 indicators covering key aspects of financial support, economic activity, public opinion, trust in government, and digital transformation to provide a holistic picture of regional security and development. Clustering by the level of corruption risk, which was implemented using Kohonen's self-organizing maps, allowed to identify 4 groups of Ukrainian regions with similar characteristics: Cluster 1 (Vinnytsia, Lviv and Ternopil regions) – regions with a high level of development and medium corruption risks; Cluster 2 (Volyn, Dnipropetrovs'k, Donetsk, Zhytomyr, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi and Chernihiv regions) – regions with an average level of development and moderate corruption risks; Cluster 3 (Zakarpattia, Kirovohrad, and Rivne regions) - regions with an average level of development and problems in governance; Cluster 4 (Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Poltava, Sumy, Kherson, Cherkasy, Chernivtsi regions and the city of Kyiv) – regions with high corruption risks. The implemented clustering facilitates the development of individualized and targeted anti-corruption strategies for each group of regions. The results of the study allow us to focus anti-corruption efforts on the most problematic areas and develop targeted programs to effectively reduce corruption risks.

Боротьба з корупцією в українському публічному секторі: оцінка ефективності антикорупційних стратегій та шляхи подальшого вдосконалення

The article is devoted to the analysis of the effectiveness of anti-corruption strategies in the Ukrainian public sector and the determination of ways of their further improvement. The main problems that hinder the successful fight against corruption in the state structures of Ukraine are investigated, and the existing strategies and their results are analysed. Based on the collected information, specific recommendations are offered to improve the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures in the public sector. One of the main factors complicating the fight against corruption in Ukraine is the insufficient effectiveness of the legal system, the weakness of law enforcement agencies, and the lack of a clear political will to carry out reforms. Insufficient coordination between various authorities and insufficient control over their activities is often observed, which makes it difficult to detect and punish corruption offences. In the context of anti-corruption strategies in Ukraine, several legislative acts were adopted and specialized agencies, such as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, were established. However, some of these measures have not produced the expected results due to insufficient financial support, political pressure or ineffective management. To further improve anti-corruption strategies, it is important to pay attention to several aspects. First, it is necessary to ensure greater transparency and openness in the activities of state bodies, in particular, by implementing a system of electronic document circulation and public reporting. Secondly, it is important to strengthen the mechanisms of control over the activities of public officials and ensure their independence frompolitical influence. Thirdly, it is necessary to reformthe judicial systemto ensure objective examination of corruption cases and imposition of appropriate punishments.

Ethical Issues Confronting Indonesia: An In-Depth Analysis of the Hambalang Corruption Case and its Impact on Anticorruption Measures and Governance

This study conducts a nuanced examination of ethical challenges confronting Indonesia, centering on the Hambalang corruption case. Through an indepth analysis, the study scrutinizes the intricate ethical dimensions of the scandal and investigates its broader ramifications on anti-corruption measures and governance in the nation. The research aspires to offer nuanced insights into the complex interplay between ethics, governance, and corruption, aiming to contribute to the ongoing discourse on ethical governance and anti-corruption strategies in Indonesia.

Structural Analysis for Assessing the Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Strategies on Public Trust

Anti-corruption initiatives are critical tools in the fight against unethical behavior, selling transparency and integrity in both the public and commercial sectors. This study explores the efficacy of anti-corruption techniques on public trust in organizations. Using a dataset comprising 300 employees from a legal aid center, the research assesses the impact of diverse anti-corruption measures on Public Trust Score (PTS). Data turned into collected through surveys measuring the Transparency Index (TI), Accountability Index (AI), Effectiveness of Oversight Bodies (EOB), Public Awareness Level (PAL), and Quality of Anti-Corruption Training (QACT). SPSS was employed for analysis, consisting of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), Pearson correlation was used to assess the significance and direction of the correlation between each independent variable and the dependent variable, and Multiple Linear regressions (MLR) was used to assess the influence of numerous independent variables. Simultaneously at the dependent variable. The findings imply that more advantageous transparency, accountability, and powerful oversight significantly enhance public acceptance, while public recognition and training quality have a notable but lesser impact.

Uncovering the chain of corruption: A Case Study in Bangladesh

Government officials are responsible to the people because they are paid for their services by the fund of the country which is collected from people. They got extra facilities as the government officials but people see them as the oppressors while taking public services. Their offensive behavior hurts the common people who do not have extra money paid for services. This study attempts to make the people aware, conscious, responsible, accountable, and transparent to government officials. The study titled "Uncovering the Chain of Corruption: A Case Study in Bangladesh" delves into the intricate web of corruption within Bangladesh, highlighting systemic issues and identifying key actors involved. This research adopts a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both qualitative interviews and quantitative data analysis, to provide a comprehensive examination of corruption at various levels of governance and society. Findings reveal that corruption in Bangladesh is deeply entrenched, facilitated by a nexus of political patronage, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and socio-economic disparities. The case study uncovers how corruption manifests in public procurement, law enforcement, and the judiciary, perpetuating a cycle of impunity and public mistrust which is conducted at Bangladesh Road Transport Authority in Rajshahi Zone. Furthermore, the study explores the socio-cultural dimensions that normalize corrupt practices and examines the role of international aid and non-governmental organizations in both exacerbating and combating corruption. Recommendations emphasize the need for robust legal frameworks, greater transparency, and public accountability mechanisms, alongside fostering a culture of integrity and ethical governance. This study contributes to the broader discourse on anti-corruption strategies, offering insights that are crucial for policymakers, stakeholders, and scholars aiming to address corruption in developing countries.

Unravelling the Nexus: Exploring the Impact of Corruption and Personality Traits Among Public Servants in Putrajaya on Malaysian Governance

Objective: With an emphasis on governance and the effects of organizational culture, ethical education, and work experience, the study explores the connection between personality qualities and corruption among public workers in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The inspiration behind this study stems from the pervasive and ongoing problem of corruption among Malaysian public servants, in the Putrajaya. The study investigates the intricate relationship between personality traits and organizational dynamics, focusing on their impact on corruption and governance. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing corruption in the public sector, crucial for developing effective anti-corruption strategies. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the correlation between personality traits, ethical education, organizational culture, work experience, and corruption among public servants in Putrajaya. The study utilized a quantitative methodology, using online surveys via Google Forms, with 230 respondents completing usable questionnaires. This study employed random sampling methods to select participants and applied statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software Version 26. The study reveals that personality traits, ethical education, and organizational culture significantly influence corruption among public servants. It highlights the need for targeted strategies to enhance governance and reduce corruption. The findings underscore the importance of ethics education and the unexpected positive correlation between corruption and governance. These insights have the potential to inform the development of tailored public administration policies that consider individual differences and prioritize ethical competence to enhance governance and combat corruption effectively. Based on the findings, the study suggests enhancing ethical education and revising organizational policies to effectively combat corruption, which could significantly impact policymaking by prioritizing ethical integrity for improved governance and reduced corruption in public service.

Etik Problem Olarak Yolsuzluk, Nedenleri ve Yolsuzluğa Karşı Alınabilecek Önlemler

Corruption is a complex ethical issue that has profoundly affected social, economic and political systems in both developed and developing countries throughout history. This study aims to comprehensively discuss the definition of corruption, measurement methods, causes, effects and measures that can be taken against this problem. Corruption can be defined as the abuse of authority by public officials for their personal interests and can occur in various forms such as bribery and embezzlement. Causes of corruption include unclear laws and regulations, opportunities for abuse of power, low income levels, and inadequate enforcement of property rights and the rule of law. The negative effects of corruption are that it weakens the credibility of the state by eroding the social and economic fabric of society and hinders economic development. In this context, measures that can be taken against corruption include strategies such as strengthening the educational and cultural structure, democratization and strengthening of civil society, restructuring the state, transparency and accountability, judicial reform, improving the salaries of public officials and developing religious awareness. This study attempts to find effective and applicable solutions by examining the causes and effects of corruption in depth. Anti-corruption strategies will play an important role in preventing and reducing corruption by raising awareness in all segments of society. Keywords: Corruption, Ethics, Combating Corruption, Transparency, Public

Shaping anti-corruption strategies: investigator perspectives on electronic records

Purpose This study aims to investigate the specific difficulties involved in implementing electronic recordkeeping for anti-corruption investigations in Nigeria. It recognises the importance of technological advancements in such investigations and the need for efficient, internationally recognised services, especially in a country where manual processes are prevalent. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a qualitative, exploratory case study approach. Data were gathered through interviews with 15 anti-corruption investigators in Nigeria in the year 2020 and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings This study identified two main challenges: resistance to adopting technological change and indifference towards information technology. Originality/value This study highlights the transformative potential of technology, specifically cloud computing and forensic technology, in an investigative context. By intentionally integrating technology, existing deficiencies can be addressed, investigative processes can be streamlined and a culture of accountability can be cultivated. It contributes to ongoing discussions and emphasises the capacity of technology to drive significant transformation in the pursuit of integrity and justice.

The Conflict of Environmental Sustainability and Corruption

Objective: This study investigates the complex relationship between environmental conservation and corruption, particularly focusing on how corrupt practices such as bribery undermine efforts to protect biodiversity, climate, and species survival in Malaysia. Despite the universal religious condemnation of corruption, it remains rampant, fueled by greed and often inadequately addressed by legal systems. Method: Through an extensive literature review of journal articles, conference proceedings, books, and online sources, this paper illustrates specific cases where corruption has directly led to environmental degradation. Research Findings and Discussions: The findings underscore the need for robust anti-corruption strategies that are informed by both environmental science and ethical considerations to effectively safeguard natural ecosystems. Research Implications: This study can help everyone realize that every negative activity, no matter how minor, has a significant influence on the ecosystem, which needs to be protected. Originality/Value: Public awareness of the perils of corruption and its consequences for the environment is raised by this research. This explains why it is against religious law to engage in corruption and the need for numerous reforms to end this corrupt behaviour.

Кримінально-правова характеристика кримінальних правопорушень, пов’язаних з корупцією в Україні

The article examines the criminal-legal characterization of criminal offenses related to corruption in Ukraine. Corruption has a high level of latency, it hinders reform efforts, causes significant harm, and negatively affects Ukraine's reputation in international relations. The main risk on the path to European integration lies in how willing the government structures and leadership of the country are to fulfill their obligations and meet the expectations that exist in society today. Therefore, the fundamental issue in this context is the problem of combating corruption, which is currently the most pressing problem in our country. The Criminal Code of Ukraine specifically defines which socially dangerous acts constitute criminal offenses related to corruption for which individuals can be held criminally liable and punished. It is noted that the concepts of corruption, corrupt offense, and offense related to corruption are not defined in the Criminal Code of Ukraine, but are elaborated in the Law of Ukraine “On Prevention of Corruption”. The characteristics of criminal offenses related to corruption are considered, including social danger, unlawfulness, guilt, and commission by a special subject. It is stated that the provisions of the Special Part of the Criminal Code of Ukraine are arranged in separate sections based on the generic object, but the legislator does not adhere to this principle regarding criminal offenses related to corruption, and only Article 45 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine specifies which criminal offenses are classified as offenses related to corruption. It is mentioned that Ukraine has established a system of anti-corruption legislation, which defines the scope of subjects covered by this legislation and the circle of specially authorized subjects in the field of anti-corruption. In addition, the anti-corruption strategy in Ukraine is implemented through the implementation of a state program. Therefore, the legislation establishes a set of requirements and procedures aimed at preventing corruption. All these instruments form a complex of anti-corruption mechanisms that act as a barrier to the commission of criminal offenses related to corruption. However, this legislation must be clear and accessible for application by both theorists and practitioners. It is concluded that criminal offenses related to corruption are clearly defined in the Criminal Code of Ukraine as socially dangerous culpable acts (acts or omissions) that contain signs of corruption and are committed by the subject of the criminal offense related to corruption. As mentioned earlier, the peculiarity of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is that there is no one clear section among its divisions that encompasses all criminal offenses related to corruption, therefore, it is considered appropriate to include a separate section in the Criminal Code of Ukraine to unite all criminal offenses related to corruption in order to ensure proper application of criminal legislation and hold responsible individuals accountable for criminal offenses related to corruption.

Sustainability and high-level corruption in healthcare procurement: Profiles of Italian contracting authorities

Addressing corruption is crucial for building a sustainable healthcare system that ensures access, quality, and equity in healthcare delivery. Despite that, many current strategies to combat corruption in the healthcare sector do not evaluate high-level corruption, such as corruption risks occurring at sub-national levels. This work bridges this gap by providing corruption risk profiles of Italian contracting authorities responsible for procuring goods and services for healthcare facilities in the public procurement process. Using an array of 14 red flags of corruption risk and an extended Item Response Theory model applied to a big data source made available by the Italian Anti-corruption Authority, our main findings show that: i. the risk of corruption is a multidimensional occurrence, which can be represented as a four-dimensional latent variable; ii. there are eight clusters of contracting authorities, having distinct and well-defined risk profiles over the four ascertained dimensions of corruption risk; iii. the distribution of risk profiles at sub-national level showcases relevant geographic variations and emphasises the need for tailored anti-corruption strategies to effectively address region-specific challenges and risk factors.

Governance, Corruption and Underdevelopment in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic

Governance is a series of public activities that entail making choices in the public interest for the well-being of a nation. Corrupt practices have polluted these activities. Corruption in Nigeria is not just widespread but also systemic and responsible largely for the country’s underdevelopment. The main objective is to probe the implications of governance and corruption on development in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic utilizing qualitative research design and content analyses. The paper is guided by Social Learning Theory (SLT) propagated by Albert Bandura arguing that corruption is pervasive in Nigeria because people watch and learn from those in positions of governance. The study traces the foundation of corruption in governance from the colonial era and relates with the dimensions of corruption to governance in Nigeria, from where the justifications, motivations and implications of corruption are identified and discussed, and concludes that corruption in governance has undermined economic growth and development, worsened social services, neglected environmental pollution, challenged peace and security, heightened electoral frauds and scared foreign investments. It recommends the reappraisal of the anti-corruption strategy among others.

A Review of Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Strategies and Institutions in Kenya

It is often stated that the fight against corruption in Kenya does not need strong men; rather, the onslaught against pilferage and plundering of public resources requires strong institutions. Unfortunately, present efforts to combat corruption in Kenya have yielded a mixed bag of results, both negative and positive. Ostensibly, extant discourses indicate that anti-corruption institutions in Kenya and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission in particular have been unable to achieve a single high-profile conviction. Towards this, the debate on the effectiveness of anti-corruption strategies and the institution in the country is interminable. It is, therefore, the view of this study that institutions in Kenya face systemic and endemic snugs that are perhaps preventing them from achieving their institutional duty of custodianship of good practice. Results from this conceptual review indicate that although Kenya has one of the most progressive legislative and institutional frameworks on anti-corruption, the Corruption Perception Index has it that Kenya still experiences high corruption, with a score of 3 out of 10, or a ranking of position 126 out of 180 countries. Although the study noted political interference, particularly from the executive, it underscores that anti-corruption institutions do not have adequate human and financial resources, which are thought to hinder their capacity to investigate and prosecute corrupt individuals. It is recommended that Kenya should strengthen legal safeguards, empower whistleblowers, implement various anti-corruption strategies, and entrench a culture of integrity. The study recommends that the anti-corruption institutions should be allocated sufficient resources, both human and financial, so that they carry out their duties independently. The study further recommends that the future of anti-corruption actions depends on incorporating civil society organizations, the media, and international partners into the campaign against the misappropriation of public funds, as these entities play peripheral, yet pivotal roles in oversight, advocating for reforms, and enhancing public awareness. Top of Form Over and above, the study notes the criticality of freeing independent institutions from the control of the executive so that they can work autonomously.

2 - Corruption and Human Rights: Positioning Judicial Activism as an Anticorruption Strategy in Kenya

This article locates the conceptual foundations of corruption and human rights by examining the normative and definitional challenges of these terms. By focusing on socioeconomic rights and the principle of equality in access to public services, the paper demonstrates the implications of corruption for the realisation of human rights. It then examines how the thin and thick conceptions of the rule of law interact with corruption. The article further explores legal corruption and the mechanisms by which graft corrupts the law-making process and compromises the rule of law. At the same time, the paper studies the role of judicial activism in fighting institutionalised and legal corruption in Kenya. In conclusion, it maintains that public interest and human rights considerations should be central to the law-making and interpretation processes. To effectively deal with corruption, activist judges should pursue the ends of justice rather than the law in the case of conflict between the two.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE INCENTIVES FOR ANTI-CORRUPTION CORPORATE COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS IN THE INTERNATIONAL LEGAL ORDER

The corporate compliance programs have proliferated worldwide in the last two decades. This innovative study explores the role of the International Anti-Corruption Regime (IACR) in this phenomenon. Analyzing documents from 18 international actors, it identifies 52 directly promoting compliance programs, beginning in 2002, after the regime’s 1996 inception. These promotions are primarily in non-binding instruments, which present compliance programs as an anti-corruption strategy for business, government, and collective actions. This mapping reveals a transition in the IACR’s inception of these programs, starting from a bribery-focused to a broader anti-corruption approach, and more recently endorsing a connection with the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda. This article also offers insights about the link between the IACR and countries' legal reforms promoting compliance. Shedding light on compliance program evolution within the IACR, the study contributes to understanding the strategy’s rise and to an emerging legal scholarship in international compliance studies. Keywords: International Law, Anti-Corruption, Corporate Compliance Programs, Legal Incentives

Enhancing governance through anti-corruption strategies: Exemplary approaches and obstacles

The article examines the fight against corruption in contemporary public administration, specifically analysing the factors that affect the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures in the context of globalization and rapid technological development. One crucial aspect of successful anti-corruption policy is studying and applying best practices. This includes analysing the experiences of other countries and implementing international standards. Relevant government bodies should designate effective methods for detecting, preventing, and responding to corruption. The development of transparent and effective institutions is considered the foremost priority in anti-corruption management. Attention is drawn to the role of independent anti-corruption bodies in ensuring the effective functioning of the system. The research also focuses on interaction with the public and the role of citizens in the anti-corruption process. Ways to enhance civic awareness, legal culture, and active citizen participation in the fight against corruption are identified. An additional aspect of the analysis is the study of international experience and partnerships in anti-corruption programs. The paper evaluates the effectiveness of international cooperation and the implementation of best practices from other countries in combating corruption. It also identifies the main challenges that arise in implementing anti-corruption policies during times of war, such as resource shortages, the impact of globalization on corrupt practices, and adapting to changes in modern society. Developing strategies to overcome challenges is necessary to improve anti-corruption policy and create an effective system for combating corruption in all areas of society.