Investigations

Purpose of Investigations

The purpose of an investigation is to examine and determine the veracity of allegations of corrupt or fraudulent practices including with respect to, but not limited to, projects financed by the Bank and allegations of misconduct on the part of ADB staff members.

Areas of Investigative Focus

The IACD receives allegations and registers them and then conducts preliminary evaluations to determine the merits of the allegations.  When the allegations are found to have merit the IACD conducts full investigation and the results are submitted to the President of the Bank.

Investigative focus will include:

• Misconduct, Fraud and Corruption
• Bribery/Kick back
• Abuse of Power/Authority
• Whistle-blowing Reprisals/Complaints/Retaliations
• Theft and Embezzlement
• Coercive practice
• Collusive practice
• Misuse of Bank Group funds
• Fraud in procurement of consultant/contractor, project staff and in contract performance

Results of IACD Investigations

The standard of proof that shall be used to determine whether a complaint is substantiated, is defined for the purposes of an investigation as information that, as a whole, shows that something is more probable than not.

The conclusions of IACD investigations are submitted to the President of the Bank and may have the following impact:

• Project Matters: The Bank may suspend or cancel its projects or in some cases request the borrower to return the money spent on a particular contract or project which was affected by fraud or corruption.
• Staff Decisions: The Bank can take appropriate personnel actions in cases where Bank Personnel are involved in wrongdoing on Bank activities.

Ineligibility of Firms regarding Award of Contracts on Bank-financed Projects: If IACD’s investigation concludes that a firm or individual involved in a Bank-financed contract has committed fraudulent or corrupt practices, the Bank could declare that firm or individual ineligible to be awarded future Bank-financed contracts, either indefinitely or for a defined period.

Referrals to Member Governments - If IACD’s investigation concludes that a firm or individual involved in a Bank-financed contract has committed fraudulent or corrupt practices, the Bank may submit its findings to the appropriate authorities of the member country’s government for a determination of whether a criminal investigation is appropriate.

Complaints and Information Reporting

When submitting a complaint or reporting information, please be as specific as possible. Your complaint or information should include:

• What wrongdoing you are reporting
• When it occurred
• Specific location where the wrongdoing occurred
• How the individual or firm committed the alleged wrongdoing
• Why you believe the activity was improper
• What documentation exists to corroborate the allegations
• Other witnesses to the alleged wrongdoing