A corruption probe investigates evidence of corrupt behavior, including allegations that public officials have taken bribes. The investigation process involves gathering evidence from witnesses and records, questioning witnesses and recording testimonies. The prosecutors in charge of the case have to weigh the ethical, legal and constitutional issues that often arise during such investigations.
Corruption is a major threat to the rule of law, can undermine political, social and economic stability and ultimately threaten the welfare of society as a whole. It is therefore important for organisations and governments to have mechanisms in place that allow for the reporting of suspected corruption. How these reports are handled, however, is equally crucial for the success of anti-corruption efforts. The manner in which reports of corruption are dealt with affects not only the outcome of a given case but also the likelihood that citizens or companies will report again.
In many countries it is not possible for police or specialised anti-corruption agencies to prosecute all cases of corruption they receive. That is why it is vital that the authorities that do have the ability to carry out investigations have a comprehensive overview of the issues and tools that will help them to effectively fight corruption. This is particularly true when the authorities are faced with reports of corruption by whistle-blowers. These reports may be from citizens, companies or journalists and the way in which they are dealt with will impact not only the results of any criminal prosecutions but also the willingness of others to report future cases of corruption.