Background
There are few public agencies in which
the classic preconditions for institutional
corruption are so conveniently presented as in a customs administration.
The potent mixture of
administrative monopoly coupled with
the exercise of wide discretion, particularly in a work environment
that may lack proper systems
of control and accountability, can easily
lead to corruption.
Customs officers often have extremely low salaries
compared to what people are able to acquire
through illegal activities. The frequent
need to work in highly decentralised
locations, such as cargo sheds
and remote border posts make direct
supervision and accountability difficult to maintain.
Customs
officials and those that deal with
them are, therefore, particularly
vulnerable to corruption.
In the US, company officials, officers, directors, and stockholders acting on
behalf of the firm who wilfully violate anti-bribery laws can be subject to fines
of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. Whilst firms are subject
to a fines of up to $2 million.
How can we help?
How can we help a client to prohibit
facilitation or service payments to customs officers? There are
no quick or simple solutions. We can help companies set up compliance
and training programmes; and conduct internal investigations. We
can improve supervision and accountability. We can assist clients
to achieve high levels of integrity by devising policies to ensure
the utmost utilisation of automation. We can help implement and
promote: sound human resource management systems, including rotation
and relocation of staff from high-risk working environments; the
strengthening of audit and internal investigation systems; and codes
of conduct and disciplinary procedures.
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