Civil society

From seedlings to saplings of hope: updated report on promising efforts to address environmental corruption

The diversity of activities to prevent and combat corruption that harms the environment is laudable. But it is far from the scale needed to tackle today's corruption and environmental challenges. Adopted in 2019, UNCAC Resolution 8/12 – Preventing and combating corruption as it relates to crimes that have an impact on the environment – urges States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption UNCAC to prevent, investigate and prosecute corruption offences where they may be linked to crimes that have an impact on the environment. In 2023, the Basel Institute on Governance published its Working Paper 50, Seedlings of hope , providing a panorama of emerging and promising initiatives across the world since the adoption of Resolution 8/12. The new Working Paper Saplings of hope , prepared for the 11th Conference of the States Parties CoSP in Doha, Qatar in December 2025, highlights what progress has been achieved since then. The report was made possible by the generous support of the Principality of Liechtenstein. Below are the main takeaways, but we urge you to read the full Working Paper for concrete examples from Bolivia, Canada, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, Ukraine and other countries. Corruption prevention measures States have implemented a host of initiatives to strengthen integrity systems. Most commonly, this included the revision and adoption of internal control policies, more dedicated risk management efforts, including through the establishment of corruption prevention committees, and a range of capacity building efforts to strengthen environmental agencies’ ability to mitigate their own corruption risks, such as workshops on ethics codes and other integrity measures. Whistleblower protection programmes were increasingly designed, implemented and promoted. Corruption risk assessments were conducted in sectors such as wildlife management, forestry and fisheries. Promising corruption prevention interventions include: Conducting regular corruption perception and experience surveys among staff. This can help assess both progress and the effectiveness of corruption prevention measures. It can also create baselines against which to measure progress. Not enough interventions and reform efforts start with such a baseline, which means they then struggle to assess progress. Involving high-level management and leadership at each stage of the corruption prevention approach. This can help develop ownership and accountability. Explaining how integrity efforts support the strategic and political priorities of the leadership is crucial to achieve this. It requires adapting technocratic approaches to be relevant to the institutional leadership. Stipulating a mandatory budget for corruption prevention across ministries, agencies and departments. This can help ensure that minimal investments in integrity and anti-corruption activities are effectively prioritised and implemented. Sanctions for not respecting the mandatory budget should be imposed. Launching awareness-raising campaigns to promote knowledge of anti-corruption measures. This is an important first step to their effective implementation. Developing whistleblowing mechanisms. They can help increase reporting and detection of corruption. To achieve their potential, whistleblower mechanisms require a strong system, reliable protections and an institutional culture that welcomes such feedback. Peer-to-peer learning for government representatives from different countries and institutions to exchange on corruption prevention actions. This can be relevant, as anti-corruption officials often struggle with similar institutional challenges. Peer exchanges can help people and institutions to learn from each other’s successes and challenges and jointly identify effective mitigation measures. Enforcement actions Several countries have investigated and prosecuted corruption cases linked to crimes that have an impact on the environment. Financial investigations and money laundering legislation are more frequently used to tackle these crimes. The systematic seizure and confiscation of assets is still just beginning, as is the creation of multi-agency and interdisciplinary task forces, nationally and internationally. However, enforcement actions on corruption as it relates to crimes that have an impact on the environment are still limited. Promising enforcement interventions include: Assessing the economic, social and environmental losses from cases of corruption linked to crimes that have an impact on the environment – and using these to calculate associated penalties and fines – can help compensate and restore some of the harm done. Combining calculations of losses due to corruption with those of losses due to the environmental crimes can result in stiffer sentences and penalties. Seizing and confiscating proceeds and instrumentalities of crime bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, machineries, etc. through the diverse legal instruments available in jurisdictions can help ensure that crime does not pay. It also removes the resources needed to continue activities that harm the environment, thereby halting ongoing destruction. Exploring legal avenues outside the anti-corruption field can help strengthen enforcement. These include legislation on money laundering and tax offences as well as the social re-use of seized and confiscation assets, sanctions and visa bans. Essential role of civil society and the media Alongside States, civil society organisations and the media have played an essential role in increasing our understanding of the relationship between corruption and crimes that have an impact on the environment. Their efforts span investigative reporting, publishing evidence-based research, capacity building, creating networks to bridge the gap between anti-corruption and environmental practitioners, as well as initiating strategic litigation cases. Their involvement is all the more commendable given that they are facing an increasingly repressive environment. The way forward As the Working Paper highlights, various activities are taking place to tackle corruption linked to crimes that have an impact on the environment. The paper picks out those that show significant promise. The diversity of engagements is laudable, but it is far from the scale needed to make a systemic difference to both societal corruption and environmental challenges. States Parties need to adapt and scale up initiatives that are effective or look promising, by, among other things: Ensuring more robust staffing and prioritisation of corruption prevention systems in government and state-owned enterprises tasked with conserving, managing or trading natural resources. Developing specialised knowledge and expertise of governmental institutions and agencies to better address corruption that impacts the environment. Incorporating anti-corruption measures into environmental and natural resource policies and strengthening environmental governance structures to include anti-corruption internal controls and mechanisms. Dedicating greater resources for specialised law enforcement to pursue complex financial flows linked to corruption and crimes that have an impact on the environment. Increasing inter-agency collaboration and conducting joint operations on corruption that has an impact on the environment. Making use of legal frameworks and testing new legal avenues to hold individuals and legal persons accountable, including through asset recovery and remedies to repair the damage. Engaging in platforms for representatives from governments, civil society and other stakeholder groups to exchange experiences and know-how in tackling corruption that has an impact on the environment. Sharing knowledge, case law, success stories, etc. Ensuring that this issue is integrated in all relevant United Nations processes such as the ones related to climate and biodiversity. Protecting and defending civil society space, press freedom and human rights defenders working on the environment and corruption-related issues. As these initiatives have now been conducted for six years, there is a sufficient body to scrutinise their effectiveness and efficiency. It is therefore essential to rigorously assess these measures, especially in an environment of increasingly scarce financial resources. Addressing corruption that has an impact on the environment The Working Paper also makes a case for moving from the concept of “corruption as it relates to crimes that have an impact on the environment” to “corruption that has an impact on the environment”. Focusing solely on corruption linked to crimes that have an impact on the environment overlooks situations where corruption causes environmental harm without an associated criminal offence. It does not take into consideration pressing issues such as corruption linked to climate finance, renewable energy and the exploitation of critical minerals. Adopting a holistic approach is crucial to address all forms of corruption that affect the environment, and thus to protect the environment and people. Learn more Read the full Working Paper 61: Saplings of hope: Addressing corruption that has an impact on the environment in line with UNCAC Resolution 8/12 and beyond View the recordings of the "Environment Day" at the 11th CoSP. Learn more about our Green Corruption programme

The FATF’s asset recovery guidance reflects real-world challenges and solutions

The Financial Action Task Force FATF has published new Asset Recovery Guidance and Best Practices, offering a comprehensive roadmap to help countries get better at recovering illicit assets. Through our International Centre for Asset Recovery ICAR , the Basel Institute is proud to have contributed to this initiative, which will be instrumental in strengthening asset recovery across jurisdictions globally. The Guidance reflects real challenges and operational lessons encountered by jurisdictions worldwide. It incorporates innovative legal tools and best practices that have proven effective in practice, including those supported through our collaborative policy, training and technical assistance work with our partners. The Guidance in brief The Asset Recovery Guidance aims to help countries implement the 2023 revisions to the FATF Recommendations, which emphasise the crucial role of asset recovery in combating money laundering and related financial crimes. It provides policymakers and practitioners with clear practical steps for developing for more effective, transparent and victim-centred asset recovery systems. Drawing on the experience of 38 jurisdictions as well as 22 stakeholder organisations, including the Basel Institute, the Guidance brings together global best practices, operational lessons and legal innovations into a single reference document. Together, these set out how countries can more effectively trace, restrain, confiscate, manage and return criminal assets. The Guidance also outlines the growing role of technology in asset recovery, including blockchain analytics and open-source intelligence, which are crucial to keep pace with crime in a digital economy. It highlights new international tools such as Interpol’s Silver Notice, which facilitates the tracing of criminal assets across borders. Key recommendations The Guidance recommends that states and their relevant agencies adopt a number of key policies and practices to improve asset recovery outcomes: Asset recovery as a priority: Adopt clear policies, allocate human and technical resources and provide training for agencies involved in the process. Establish inter-agency coordination and cooperation mechanisms, guidelines for the reuse of recovered funds, monitoring mechanisms and partnerships with the private sector or civil society. Systematic approach to financial investigations: Initiate asset tracing efforts from the outset of serious crime cases, ensuring inter-agency coordination. Focus on preventing asset dissipation: Share intelligence and take immediate actions to safeguard assets. This includes the use of temporary suspension or withholding of consent for suspicious transactions by financial intelligence units, as well as rapid freezing or seizing mechanisms by law enforcement agencies. Beyond criminal confiscation: Introduce non-conviction based confiscation and unexplained wealth measures to recover illicit proceeds even where prosecution of the perpetrators is not possible. Cooperation in cross-border cases: Improve and facilitate cooperation, including the use of both formal and informal cooperation mechanisms, joint investigation teams and networks, such as Asset Recovery Interagency Networks ARINs and the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units. Asset management and allocation of recovered funds: Plan the management of confiscated assets to maximise the value of any assets that can be recovered and to ensure benefits for victims and communities. Fundamental rights: Make sure every step in the asset recovery process is proportional, in line with due process and subject to judicial oversight. Role of civil society and the private sector The guidance also underscores the vital roles of civil society and the private sector in asset recovery: Civil society actors, including investigative journalists, help uncover illicit activities and drive advocacy for reforms. The private sector, including financial institutions and so-called designated non-financial service providers DNFBPs , provide critical financial intelligence as well as support to take immediate action in safeguarding assets. Together with authorities, they collaborate to detect, trace and return criminal proceeds. This collective effort enhances recovery outcomes and strengthens public trust through increased transparency and accountability. How our work in the field reflects the Guidance With our 20+ government partners, our specialist ICAR teams prioritise many of the key areas highlighted in the Guidance. Through training and technical assistance, we help authorities strengthen their capacity to investigate, trace and recover illicit assets, with tangible results – from advancing major transnational corruption and money laundering investigations throughout Africa, Europe, South America, and Asia and through assisting in the development of asset recovery legislation such as unexplained wealth and non-conviction based confiscation laws. We are also heavily focused on ensuring that recovered criminal assets or proceeds of corruption are either returned to victims or reinvested for good, such as in sustainable development or anti-corruption projects or in criminal justice reforms. Why does this matter? Asset recovery continues to be one of the most challenging elements of the global fight against financial crime, with the effectiveness of recovering criminal proceeds still falling short. The FATF Guidance seeks to address this by raising global standards and ensuring greater consistency in their application. The message is clear: recovering criminal assets is crucial to effective criminal justice and transparent financial systems. We support this approach and are committed to advancing it. As the Director of ICAR, Iker Lekuona states: “We are encouraged to see many of our policy priorities align with the approach outlined by the Guidance, which will strengthen the support we provide to our partner jurisdictions. ICAR will continue to assist countries through technical assistance, training and policy development, helping turn these priorities into tangible outcomes for communities.”

Registration open: 5th Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptocurrencies

Registration is now open for the 5th Global Conference on Criminal Finances and Cryptocurrencies on 7–8 December 2021. The virtual conference explores trends, strategies and tactics in tackling crimes involving virtual assets. A joint initiative of the Basel Institute on Governance, INTERPOL and Europol, the annual event now draws hundreds of experts and interested parties from around the world. Through presentations, discussions and case studies, the conference participants seek to illuminate how criminals can abuse the virtual asset ecosystem and develop recommendations on what law enforcement, regulators and the private sector can do about it. Attendance is free but pre-registration is required. Please note that day 2 8 December is restricted to law enforcement and related public authorities; attendance is subject to confirmation by the organising committee. Agenda and registration 7 December, 12:00–15:30 GMT Open to all, this day is dedicated to contrasting perspectives on virtual assets, regulation and compliance from the public and private sectors, media and regulatory bodies. Topics include: the challenges posed by decentralised finance for identifying and tracing suspicious cryptocurrency transactions; what media investigations reveal about how criminals launder the proceeds of crime using cryptocurrencies; changing scenarios of compliance with AML regulations relating to VASPs. The agenda and speaker names will be published in November. Register for day 1 8 December, 12:00–15:30 GMT Limited to law enforcement and related public authorities judicial authorities, Financial Intelligence Units, anti-money laundering supervisors, etc. the second day is an opportunity to explore the changing modi operandi of criminals abusing the cryptocurrency ecosystem to hide and launder money, and how law enforcement can fight back. The agenda will be released to participants shortly before the conference. Apply to attend day 2 More Download the conference poster. View the latest updates and more information about this and previous events, and browse related resources on cryptocurrencies and financial crime, at: baselgovernance.org/5CrC

Now on LEARN: Guide to the role of civil society organisations in asset recovery

How can civil society organisations CSOs support efforts to recover stolen assets for their country? What are the different stages of the asset recovery process and what are potential actions in each one? What is the legal basis for the involvement of civil society in asset recovery? Where are the main risks and challenges, and how can CSOs overcome these? Our International Centre for Asset Recovery originally developed a guide to the role of CSOs in asset recovery in 2014, together with partners in the context of the Arab Forum on Asset Recovery AFAR . Freshly updated, this guide is now available on the Basel Institute’s LEARN platform. LEARN offers a suite of self-paced eLearning courses and other practical guidelines on asset tracing, intelligence gathering and financial analysis. The platform is also used for online delivery of some our instructor-led training programmes, including those offered by our ICAR training team. All of our self-paced courses and guidelines are freely accessible and many are available in multiple languages. More are being added over the next weeks and months, so do check back regularly. About the Guide This easy-to-read Guide to the role of CSOs in asset recovery covers: The fundamentals of asset recovery – what asset recovery is, the four key phases and relevant aspects of international law. An introduction to the role of civil society in anti-corruption and asset recovery. Four major areas in which CSOs can have an impact on asset recovery success: Awareness raising and research Advocacy Casework and legal analysis Return of confiscated assets Examples of CSOs actively involved in supporting asset recovery now or in the past. The guidance is applicable globally to all types of CSOs. Arabic and Ukrainian versions are available as PDF downloads. About the role of CSOs in asset recovery Asset recovery refers to the process by which the proceeds of crime are identified, traced, seized, confiscated and returned to their rightful owners. Generally speaking, States need to lead the process of recovering stolen assets. However, CSOs can also play an important role in the different stages of the asset recovery process. CSOs have traditionally engaged in the asset recovery process through awareness raising, research and advocacy. Over time, they have also increasingly assisted states in managing frozen assets or helped with considerations related to the end use of returned assets. CSOs have also sometimes been the recipients of returned assets. More recently, CSOs have also assisted states in their enforcement efforts. This includes helping identify and investigate corruption-related offences, engaging with whistle-blowers or even initiating legal action. To learn more, click through to the guide or download the PDF. Acknowledgements In developing the original guide in the context of the Arab Forum on Asset Recovery AFAR , ICAR expresses its appreciation to the United Kingdom G8 Presidency, the World Bank/UNODC Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative StAR and Ambassador Muhyieddeen Touq of Jordan for their advice and support, and the following CSOs for their valuable contributions: Association Tunisienne pour la Transparence Financière ATTF Yemeni National Authority for Recovering Stolen Assets AWAM Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights EIPR Global Witness Open Society Justice Initiative Sherpa

Equipping Malawi’s investigative journalists to report on corruption and anti-corruption efforts

Journalist Bertram Hill of the BBC Africa Eye Investigative Team joined media consultant Ladan Cher in March 2020 to lead an intensive open-source intelligence workshop for 13 of Malawi’s leading investigative journalists. During the four-day workshop, the participants explored the many possibilities of open-source intelligence gathering, including: Archiving and advanced search techniques Online monitoring Digital security Geolocation and mapping resources Advanced people search The workshop was part of the Basel Institute’s Continuing Journalism Education CJE initiative in Malawi. Supported by the Tackling Serious and Organised Corruption programme of the UK’s Department for International Development DFID , the CJE aims to help Malawi’s media practitioners develop and publish stories on corruption and anti-corruption activities. The goals: to amplify public messages on corruption, help the media to present a clear and candid account of corrupt activities, and drive positive change. The initiative, led by two journalist mentors, targets a small cadre of experienced investigative journalists in Malawi, as well as media houses and journalist support organisations. Highlights in the past year include conducting 10 story labs in Lilongwe and Blantyre, where the cohort of journalists pitch and develop their stories; and three topical workshops including the above BBC-led workshop, a Fact-Checking Workshop led by Africa Check and a Story Pitch and Build Workshop led by the J-School at Wits University in Johannesburg. A journalist was set to undertake a three-month fellowship with the Mail and Guardian in South Africa, although this has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Forty stories have been published by CJE journalists over the past year, including the stories that broke the judicial bribery scandal, on a ministry involved in a land-swap scandal, and the story of police uniforms and boots being sold on the open market. The CJE programme has seen interest and support from media houses, newsrooms and journalist support organisations all over the world, including the Media Institute of Southern Africa in Lilongwe, the Raphael Tenthani Centre for Media Excellence at the Polytechnic College of the University of Malawi in Blantyre, the AmaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, the Mail & Guardian of South Africa, Wits Journalism of Witwatersrand University, The Telegraph in the UK, the Washington Post , and Malawian newspapers The Times, Nyasa Times and The Nation .

Political economy in the weeds: Embracing complexity in anti-corruption work – lessons learned from anti-corruption programme in Malawi