A corruption probe is a thorough investigation of bribery or other forms of corrupt behaviour. It can be conducted internally by an organisation (through disciplinary procedures) or externally through regulatory or criminal process. Corruption investigations can involve a range of investigative techniques including questioning witnesses, analysing documents and records and intercepting telecommunications.
The City of Dixon, Illinois, had a problem with corruption: Its former finance director, Kathy Crundwell, had embezzled about a third of the city’s budget every year for 20 years. Crundwell’s scheme was discovered when FBI agents subpoenaed bank records and uncovered millions in illegal transactions. The FBI convicted her and she served 19 years in prison.
It is important that organisations, and governments, have clear systems for handling reports of corruption. A lack of protocols can lead to arbitrary decisions about whether to investigate an allegation and how serious it is. Moreover, if a company or government treats a report of corruption lightly it will be difficult to build trust with employees and the public.
The FBI addresses global fraud against the United States through the Anti-Bribery and Foreign Corrupt Practices Acts. International corruption schemes threaten the financial markets and economic growth of the United States by promoting corruption in host countries, undermining diplomatic relations and strengthening criminal and terrorist organizations. The FBI’s international corruption squads are responsible for investigating alleged violations of these acts. They also work with partners around the world to coordinate anti-corruption efforts.