Bandung (Indonesia), 16 December 2022 - Corruption is a known facilitator of other crimes. The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) emphasizes the importance of uncovering corruption related to other forms of crime such as human trafficking, drug trafficking and forestry crimes, as well as money laundering. Research by UNODC entitled, “Corruption as a Facilitator of Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons in the Bali Process Region” contains evidence of human trafficking involving corrupt state officials. Proceeds of corruption are also known to further fuel crime in an extremely dangerous and vicious circle. Therefore, if corruption prevention strategies are implemented effectively, they can also contribute to the prevention of other crimes.
In combatting corruption-related crimes, the so-called “Multidoor Approach” requires effective cooperation among authorities to address crimes using available laws and regulations. Based on past corruption prosecutions, it is not uncommon for the perpetrators of corruption to have also committed other crimes, such as crimes in forestry, taxation, and the financial sector. While prosecutions combining corruption and money laundering crimes are increasing, prosecuting corruption in combination with other crimes, such as forestry, tax, and financial crimes is not yet common due to lack of cooperation between state authorities (including law enforcement).
In responding to this situation, the UNODC Anti-Corruption Sub-Programme, in collaboration with the Directorate of Corruption Investigation, Indonesia National Police held a roundtable discussion from 14-16 December in Bandung, Indonesia with the theme, "Corruption as a Facilitator of Other Crimes and the Importance of a Multidoor Approach.” The aim of this roundtable discussion was to enhance the understanding of relevant authorities in the typology of corruption and how it facilitates other crimes, approaches to investigating and prosecuting these crimes, strengthen cooperation and coordination between authorities, and encourage their adoption of the “Multidoor Approach.”
The event gathered 45 participants from organizations including the Indonesian National Police, Indonesia Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), Indonesia Financial Investigations Unit (FIU), and civil servant investigators from several ministries. This activity also included UNODC participants from several programmes who shared their research and findings regarding how corruption facilitates environmental crimes, the smuggling of migrants as well as trafficking of wildlife and dangerous waste.
This roundtable discussion was an opportunity to support capacity building and the development of an institutional framework for utilizing the “Multidoor Approach” in corruption investigations in Indonesia. It resulted in the participants gaining understanding of the nexus between corruption and other crimes, especially in high-risk sectors. This included strategies to strengthen cooperation and coordination for investigation and prosecution of corruption and other crimes and to explore cooperation to prevent corruption.
This training was part of activities funded by the Ministry of Justice of Government of the Republic of Korea.
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