In a recent annual review of the World Bank’s anti-graft unit’s work, it seems that many countries are failing to follow through with investigations of corrupt conduct referred to them by bank officials. The Integrity Vice Presidency referred 40 cases for investigation in 2011 but the response from governments and anti corruption agencies is reported to have been disappointing.
Whilst 25 national authorities are carrying out investigations or prosecutions as a result of World Bank referrals, many referrals are said to have been by fragile criminal justice systems, inadequate provisions in criminal codes and the failings of anti-corruption investigators.
World Bank President Mr Zoelick states “We expect national authorities to give proper attention and consideration to the Bank Group’s referrals or investigative information […] Ideally, this should lead to their undertaking competent investigations, prosecutions, and adjudication within the country-but it often has not”.