A corruption probe is an investigation into bribery, embezzlement or other forms of corrupt behaviour. Such investigations can be handled internally by an organisation through disciplinary procedures or externally, through police and other specialised anti-crime agencies. The investigators have a wide range of information-gathering tools at their disposal including questioning witnesses, obtaining and analysing documents and records and intercepting telecommunications. Grand corruption is rarely proved by one piece of evidence so investigations must be thorough, detailed and comprehensive.
When William H Webster became FBI Director in 1978, he made public corruption one of the Bureau’s top investigative priorities. Local field offices are regularly reminded that a strong public corruption program requires them to be vigilant and to make frequent contact with vendors seeking local, state, and federal government contracts in order to identify ongoing corruption schemes.
This article addresses the practical aspects of investigating and prosecuting public corruption cases by describing investigative tactics, case handling principles, and Department policy in this area. It also discusses approaches to organizing a public corruption unit in larger and smaller U.S. Attorney’s Offices, provides a discussion of statutes applicable to corruption prosecutions and contains sample indictments.
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