Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has rolled out an electronic case management system and is now using social media platforms as sources of intelligence in asset recovery investigations as it steps up the use of technology to combat corruption.
Speaking during the International Anti-Corruption Research Conference in Bulawayo, ZACC chairperson Mr Michael Reza said technology had become central to the commission’s investigations and case management systems.
“We have developed an electronic case management system which enables tracking and monitoring of corruption cases,” he told delegates.
“Open source intelligence. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and other digital platforms are used as sources of intelligence by our investigations in asset recovery and corporate departments.”
Mr Reza said information gathered from digital platforms was helping investigators identify suspicious wealth and initiate unexplained wealth investigations.
He also highlighted new public reporting channels aimed at encouraging citizens to report corruption anonymously.
“Leveraging technology, the commission has an anonymous corruption reporting portal on the website,” he said.
However, Mr Reza cautioned that while technology had strengthened anti-corruption efforts, it had also created new forms of crime.
“Now the downside of technology, the advent of technology has resulted in the birth of complex cyber-enabled corruption offences,” he said.
The three-day International Anti-Corruption Research Conference opened in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
Held under the theme, “Leveraging Disruptive Technologies to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Strategies,” the second edition of the conference has brought together researchers, academics and technology specialists to explore innovative digital solutions to combat corruption.
The conference is being organised by ZACC in collaboration with Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) and the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ).
Over the three-day event, delegates will discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, digital forensics and other disruptive technologies in enhancing transparency, accountability, and the detection and prevention of corruption.
