adminHerald Reporter
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has welcomed the launch of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network) and applauded the historic development for providing counterparts across the globe with a platform for faster and more efficient prosecution of corrupt network and practices.
Launched at the UN General Assembly Special Session against Corruption on Thursday, the GlobE Network offers the 189 State Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) the capacity and means to connect National Anti-Corruption Agencies with their counterparts in different countries.
The network also opens up channels for secure informal and formal information exchange on specific cases, legislation, intelligence and anti-corruption tools.
ZACC Chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo said in this globalised village, crime and criminal conduct was increasingly transcending national borders and international cooperation remained the most effective tool to fight corruption, money laundering and recover illicit proceeds of crime.
Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) is considered to be one of the most important tools in international cooperation, but there are several challenges faced by State Parties when requesting it, which include bureaucracy, which delays the whole process.
“It is therefore important for National Anti-Corruption Agencies to set networks such as the GlobE Network for purposes of exchanging information formal or informally as this will assist in preventing the destruction of evidence or even the sale of properties acquired illegally among others,” said Justice Matanda-Moyo.
Prior to the launch of the GlobE Network, Zimbabwe has actively cooperated with other nations in assisting with providing information regarding investigations.
To further its synergy on international cooperation, ZACC signed two Memoranda of Understanding on Cooperation in Combating Corruption and Economic Crime with the Anti-Corruption Commission of Zambia and with the Directorate on Corruption Economic Crime of Botswana in 2019.
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