Introduction

This free online training module, “Investigating corruption in project procurement”, is part of the GIACC Training Academy’s suite of modules which are designed to increase understanding of corruption in the infrastructure sector, and thereby help prevent and detect it.

Corruption, including in particular fraud, bribery, and cartels, can frequently occur in the procurement phase of an infrastructure project.

Abuse of procurement procedures can also occur in the procurement phase.  This abuse may be innocent (e.g. due to mistake, or lack of knowledge of the procedures).  Alternatively, it could be due to, or could enable, a corrupt act.

This module examines how to investigate corruption which may have taken place in the procurement phase of an infrastructure project.  

The methodology of this module is to provide a short hypothetical case study in which an anonymous whistleblower makes several allegations of improper conduct in respect of a construction project.  The module examines these allegations and makes suggestions as to how you would conduct the investigation and what evidence you would look for. 

It is noted that the manner in which corruption can take place on a construction project is very varied, and that investigations can be very complex;  this module is merely a brief summary. 

(Note: Separate modules examine how corruption takes place in the procurement phase, and how to prevent such corruption.)

This module takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.  On the last page of this module, you can print a certificate of completion, with your name and date of completion.  GIACC keeps no record of your identity in undertaking this module, so this certificate is purely for your own or your organisation’s record.

In this module:

• the term “infrastructure project” is used to include any project in the built environment:  e.g. roads, railways, airports, bridges, power stations, hospitals, schools, commercial and residential buildings.
• the term “corruption” is used to include bribery, extortion, fraud, cartels, abuse of power, embezzlement, and money laundering, which are the most common criminal offences in infrastructure. 

To proceed through this Module, click “Next” below.