Corruption Investigation and Prosecution Directorate

The Corruption Investigation and Prosecution Directorate is authorized to investigate or cause the investigation of any alleged or suspected corruption offences where they are committed in public offices or public enterprises or in the regional offices relating to subsidies granted by the Federal Government to the regions. It is also obliged by law to investigate or cause the investigation of any complaints of alleged serious breaches of the codes of ethics in public offices or public enterprises and follow up the taking of proper measures.

The Directorate receives tips-off from whistle blowers on alleged corruption offences and ethical infringements, investigates them in the order of their seriousness. If it deems it necessary, it may require of any federal or regional public office or enterprise to produce relevant documents and provide appropriate information for the examination of practices and working procedures.

Accordingly, any public official or public employee is obliged by law to show or produce relevant documents or information when requested by the Directorate. Moreover, the former are duty-bound to report to the Directorate where they have a reasonable suspicion that corruption offences are or are about to be committed. The Directorate, on its part, is responsible to provide physical and job security protection for witnesses and whistle-blowers. Investigators are duty-bound to apply to courts for restraining order on any property acquired through the Commission of corruption offences.  

Once the investigation of cases is finalized, the Directorate will press charges against any alleged or suspected corruption offences (where they are committed in public offices or public enterprises or in the regional offices relating to subsidies granted by the Federal Government to regions). It is also authorized to freeze, by court order, assets and wealth that are allegedly obtained through corruption and cause (through court order) their forfeiture and confiscation.