ANNUAL REPORT THE CORRUPT PRACTICES INVESTIGATION BUREAU

Transcription

1 ANNUAL 2014 REPORT THE CORRUPT PRACTICES INVESTIGATION BUREAU

2 since 1952 mission to combat corruption through swift and sure, firm but fair action vision a leading anti-corruption agency that upholds integrity and good governance towards achieving a corruption-free nation core values integrity teamwork devotion to duty 2

3 content Introduction corruption statistics international engagement prevention & outreach events & visits 16 conclusion 3

4 44

5 INTRODUCTION Singapore has earned the reputation of being one of the least corrupt nations in the world. The 2014 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) by Transparency International (TI) ranked Singapore the 7th least corrupt country of the 175 countries surveyed. Singapore scored 85 on a scale of zero, for highly corrupt, to 100, for very clean. Singapore has also been ranked top, in the annual poll by Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) as the country where perceptions about corruption are most favourable among 16 major Asia-pacific economies, a position it has maintained since However, a clean system is not a natural state of affair. Corruption comes from weakness of human nature greed, temptation, desire to amass wealth or to obtain business through unfair means and even with harsh penalties, it cannot be eradicated completely. Although Singapore is one of the least corrupt countries in the world, it is important that laws must be rigorously enforced and corrupt behaviour continues to be socially unacceptable. The efficiency and effectiveness of the systems and services in Singapore have reduced the opportunities and need for corruption. Initiatives were introduced to simplify rules and regulations, as well as enhance accountability and transparency through clear standards of conduct. It has always been very clear to the public that there is no need to commit acts of bribery to get things done or to receive services. 5 45

6 Corruption Statistics CORRUPTION SITUATION IN SINGAPORE REMAINS STABLE Number of Complaints Received by CPIB Lowest Number of Complaints Received by CPIB in the Past Three Decades The number of complaints received by the CPIB decreased by 7% from 792 in 2013 to 736 in This is the lowest number in the past 3 decades. Besides corruption related complaints, the CPIB receives many other complaints which may pertain to other offences, such as cheating, misappropriating of public or company funds, etc. CPIB will refer all non-corruption related complaints received to the relevant authorities for their necessary action. (NO. OF COMPLAINTS) (YEAR) Majority of Complaints were Received Through Fax or Mail Modes of Complaints Received by CPIB in 2014 The predominant mode through which the complaints were received by CPIB was through mail or fax, which made up 38% of all the complaints received by CPIB. This figure shows the other modes through which the complaints were received for the year IN PERSON 8% PHONE 11% 11% The CPIB takes a serious view of all complaints with an undertone of corruption. All corruption complaints received by the CPIB will be channelled to the Complaints Evaluation Committee (CEC) for evaluation. The CEC, comprising members of the CPIB Directorate, will deliberate on each complaint and determine whether the complaints contain sufficient information for investigation or other follow-up actions. CPIB WEBSITE 28% MAIL/FAX 38% REFERRAL 4% All complaints will be deliberated upon in the same manner regardless of the nature or amount of the gratification or whether the complainant has identified himself or choose to remain anonymous. *Note: Date is based on 736 complaints received in

7 Lowest Number of Cases Registered for Investigation In the Past Three Decades 250 Total Number of Cases Registered for Investigation In 2014, 136 cases out of the 736 complaints received were registered for investigation. This was an 11% decrease from the 152 cases registered for investigation in This was also the lowest number of cases registered in the past 3 decades. (NO. OF CASES) (YEAR) *Note: Date is based on 736 complaints received in 2014 Complaints Lodged in Person is the Most Effective Modes of Complaints which Resulted in Investigations in 2014 This figure shows the different modes of the complaints that resulted in investigation for the year The figures showed that complaints lodged in person as the most effective mode as it was 3 times more likely to result in investigation compared with the most popular mode of /fax. CPIB WEBSITE 11% MAIL/FAX 13% REFERRAL 15% IN PERSON 27% 15% PHONE 19% *Note: Data is based on 136 pursuable complaints which resulted in the registration of 136 cases in

8 CORRUPTION CASES IN SINGAPORE REMAIN LOW WITH PRIVATE CASES FORMING THE MAJORITY 100% Breakdown of Cases Registered by Public VS Private Sector Majority of Cases Registered for Investigation Involved Private Sector 90% 80% 77% 84% 85% 70% Corruption cases in Singapore remain low with private sector cases forming the majority. In 2014, 85% of the 136 cases registered for investigation involved private individuals giving, offering or receiving bribes. Only 15% of the cases registered for investigation in 2014 involved public officers. It is worth mentioning that of 85% of these private sector cases, 13% involved public officers rejecting bribes offered by private individuals. (PERCENTAGE %) 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 23% 64% 13% 16% 66% 18% (YEAR) 15% 72% 13% *Note: The classification is based on the pursuable complaints received during the year, before the investigations are carried out. PRIVATE (Private individuals giving/ offering/ receivingbribes) PUBLIC (Public employees soliciting/ receiving bribes) PRIVATE (Public employees rejecting bribes) EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SINGAPORE CORRUPTION CONTROL FRAMEWORK Total Number of Cases Handled Remained Consistent In 2014, the CPIB handled a total of 541 cases, of which 136 cases were new cases registered for the year and 217 were added new cases registered in the course of investigation while 188 were existing cases brought forward from the previous year. The total number of cases handled by the CPIB each year did not deviate much over the last 3 years. (NO. OF CASES) Total Number of Cases Handled in a Year New cases registered in the course of investigations (YEAR) Uncomplete cases brought forward New cases registered Completed cases 8

9 Consistent Yearly Clearance Rate Yearly Clearance Rate This consistent trend also translated into a stable yearly clearance rate for the CPIB in the last 3 years. In 2014, 77% of the cases investigated by the CPIB were completed. (PERCENTAGE %) 100% 80% 60% 40% 76% 67% 77% 20% 0% (YEAR) Private Individuals Formed Majority of Persons Prosecuted in Court Public and Private Sector Employees Prosecuted in Court Over the last 3 years, the average number of persons prosecuted, as a result of CPIB investigation, was 170. Besides corruption related offences, the CPIB can also investigate and charge offenders for non-corruption offences uncovered in the course of corruption investigations, which include Penal Code and immigration offences etc. In 2014, the number of private individuals prosecuted in Court by the CPIB accounted for 88%. Despite the high profile cases involving public servants in recent years, these are the minority. Public officers prosecuted in Court remained small at an average of 9% in the last 3 years. In 2014, from the number of private individuals prosecuted in Court for corruption related offences, 3 main areas of concern were noted: i. ---Construction (eg. showing leniency in the inspection of work, bidding for contracts to supply electrical and engineering equipment); ii. Sales of household goods in departmental stores (eg. bribing of front-line employees to perform corrupt transactions); and iii. --Warehouse and logistic services (eg giving bribes corruptly to obtain contracts) PUBLIC EMPLOYEES 5% (9) PUBLIC EMPLOYEES 9% (16) PRIVATE EMPLOYEES 95% (158) YEAR 2012 PUBLIC EMPLOYEES 12% (20) PRIVATE EMPLOYEES 91% (163) YEAR 2013 PRIVATE EMPLOYEES 88% (148) YEAR 2014 *Note: Data is based on AGC s prosecutorial decisions made during the year. 9

10 High Conviction Rate Conviction Rate Under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), any person convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of up to $100,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Where the offence involves a government contract or bribery of a Member of Parliament, imprisonment may be extended to seven years. The conviction rates (excluding withdrawal) for cases charged by the CPIB for corruption offences and other related offences remained high for the past 3 years, well above 95% mark. (PERCENTAGE %) 100% 90% 80% 98% 94% 94% 97% 96% 88% The CPIB has played an important part in keeping the system clean. The high conviction rate is testament to Singapore s zero tolerance approach towards corruption and the robust anti-corruption system, which is constantly being reviewed to ensure Singapore remains at the cutting edge of fighting corruption. 70% (YEAR) *Note: Data is based on the outcomes of court cases concluded in state court during the year. Conviction rate (Excl withdrawal) Conviction Rate SUMMARY: CORRUPTION STATISTICS COMPLAINTS RECEIVED 136 COMPLAINTS REGISTERED LOWEST IN THE PAST 3 DECADES 38% 28% OF 136 CASES REGISTED FOR INVESTIGATIONS MODES OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED 11% 11% 8% 4% 15% PUBLIC 85% PRIVATE OF 148 EMPLOYEES PROSECUTED IN COURT MODES OF COMPLAINTS THAT RESULTED IN INVESTIGATIONS 12% 88% 13% 11% 15% 19% 27% 15% PUBLIC PRIVATE 10

11 International Engagement Tackling Corruption Through Strong Networks and Partnerships CPIB participates in a number of international platforms which seek to bring together relevant stakeholders to tackle the global scourge of corruption. In addition to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) that forms the bedrock of our international engagement, CPIB represents Singapore at various fora such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Anti-Corruption and Transparency (ACT) Experts Working Group, the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group, the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific, the South East Asia - Parties Against Corruption (SEA-PAC) meetings between parties of a regional Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and the Economic Crime Agencies Network (ECAN). CPIB also undertakes speaking engagements at regional and international capacity building seminars where we share Singapore s anti-corruption experience. A significant event in the Bureau s international engagement calendar this year pertained to the review of Singapore s implementation of UNCAC Chapters III (Criminalisation and Law Enforcement) and IV (International Cooperation). A major milestone in the review process was achieved in June 2014 when CPIB submitted Singapore s comprehensive self-assessment checklist, the product of an inter-agency effort involving several stakeholder agencies, to its reviewers through the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Secretariat. The implementation review is due for completion in CPIB believes in the value of building strong networks and collaborative partnerships with our counterpart agencies and other stakeholders. In this regard, CPIB has contributed towards international networking efforts in law enforcement by hosting the second ECAN meeting in February The ECAN meeting was attended by representatives from local and foreign agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of economic crimes; and saw presentations of relevant best practices and case studies by participating agencies. CPIB has also remained active in terms of bilateral engagement with our foreign counterparts. For instance, CPIB hosted study visits for a 27-member delegation from Thailand s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in May 2014, and for an eight-member delegation from the Government Inspectorate of Vietnam (GIV) in September We look forward to future cooperation with our counterparts in the fight against corruption. CPIB officers and directorate at the 2nd Economic Crime Agencies Network (ECAN) hosted by CPIB in February

12 Prevention & Outreach CPIB CONTINUES TO STAY VIGILANT AND IS EXPLORING NEW WAYS TO FIGHT CORRUPTION WITH THE COMMUNITY Number of Employees Engaged Through Talks Engaging Employees Through Public Education Talks was an eventful year for the CPIB. The Bureau continues to engage the different target groups to spread anti-corruption messages and open its doors to foreign visitors from all over the world. Besides vigorous enforcement, CPIB continues to focus on public education and community outreach to spread the anti-corruption message. The CPIB regularly gives corruption prevention talks to ministries and statutory boards, and in certain circumstances, help some government agencies improve on their processes and procedures in areas where there are gaps. (NO. OF EMPLOYEES) (YEAR) To combat corruption in the private sector, the Bureau engages the business communities through talks, seminars and workshops to reinforce the need for incorruptibility. in 2014, CPIB reached out to a total of 5518 employees from private and public sector. Educating the Next Generation Number of Students Engaged Through Learning Journeys In 2014, the Bureau engaged 699 students from Secondary Schools to Junior Colleges through the Learning Journey programme to create awareness on the ills of corruption. This is geared towards shaping an anti-corruption perception and attitude so that the next generation of Singaporeans would continue to reject corruption as a way of life and maintain Singapore s zero tolerance towards corruption. (NO. OF STUDENTS) (YEAR) 12

13 Hosting Foreign Delegates from all over the world Number of Foreign Delegates Hosted The Bureau also played host to 841 foreign delegates in Hailed from different parts of the world, these visitors were interested to learn about Singapore s experience in combatting corruption. CPIB also welcomed several world leaders, ministers and head of states, including Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahido from the Kingdom of Thailand, HE Dr Sai Mauk Kham, First Vice President from the Republic of Union of Myanmar, Senator Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares from the Philippines and HE President Petro Poroshenko from Ukraine. NO. OF FOREIGN DELEGATES (YEAR) 12 Implementing Key Initiatives to Engage the General Public The CPIB also implemented several key initiatives in 2014 to spread the anti-corruption message to the public and wider community. These included an exhibition cum roadshow that was organised at the Toa Payoh HDB Hub Mall in collaboration with the Football Association of Singapore. Entitled Unite Against Corruption, the objectives of the event were mainly to create awareness and educate the public on corruption issues. LEARNING JOURNEYS INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS PUBLIC EDUCATION TALKS OUTREACH ROADSHOWS In the same year, the CPIB also ran a Unite Against Corruption Video Competition which garnered entries from members of the public (the videos can be viewed at In addition, the CPIB launched its first social media platforms in the form of Facebook ( and Twitter (@CPIBsg). These initiatives had drawn positive responses from the public. YOUTUBE TWITTER FACEBOOK 13

14 events and visits Visit by Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha from Thailand on 27 January CPIB hosted Myanmar s first Vice President Sai Mauk Kham who visitied Singapore on 16 July Honourable Petro Poroshenko, President of Ukraine graced a visit to CPIB on 9 December 2014 Visit by Philippine Senator Mary-Grace Poe-Llamanzares on 3 November A public education talk conducted for teachers from MOE. Students from Tanjong Katong Girls School listening attentively to the speaker during their Learning Journey to CPIB. 14

15 Members of public pledged their support in our fight against corruption. CPIB officers with the friendly mascot from Football Association of Singapore (FAS)- our official partner for the event. A winner of the Unite Against Corruption Video Competition receving his award from Director (Investigations) Mr Wong Choong Mann. Members of public - young and old alike, having fun designing their own anti-corruption badges! Participants put their football skills to test at the FAS booth. 15

16 conclusion With a strong mandate from the Government, the CPIB fights corruption holistically with the Attorney-General s Chambers resulting in efficient investigations and a high conviction rate. Along with active public education and community outreach efforts, the CPIB also constantly explores new and effective ways to fight corruption together with the community. CPIB s engagements at the international platforms and various fora have earned us international recognition and combined with the Bureau s TI ranking have brought many foreign visitors who are keen to learn from us. In spite of these good results, the CPIB continues to stay vigilant and work with the public to safeguard Singapore s integrity and national interests. The CPIB is mindful that our operating environment is dynamic and the Bureau needs to constantly evolve to meet increasingly complex challenges. The CPIB remains relentless to its mission to combat corruption through swift and sure, firm but fair action and to uphold the highest level of incorruptibility. 16

17 how to report corruption? WWW Lodge an online complaint at: Call CPIB Duty Officer at us at: cpib_website_ @cpib.gov.sg Come down personally or write to us at: 2 Lengkok Bahru, S Fax to us at:

18