Reporting Fraud and Corruption
What to Report
Any person who has knowledge of alleged corruption and/or fraudulent activities within the Bank's operations is urged to report that information. The principal receiving point for the Bank is the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Division (IACD) within the Office of the Auditor General.
The IACD will accept all information either anonymously or with identification of the person making the report, if he/she so wishes. Where possible, the IACD will make every effort to protect the confidentiality of information provided and identity of those providing that information.
The IACD will encourage a caller, if the information is to be taken in a live situation, to identify his or herself as it is often useful to seek additional information or clarification of information received. That said, should an individual choose to remain anonymous, this will not alter the IACD's view of the need to thoroughly examine and assess the allegations made.
A whistle-blower can also report a complaint of retaliation or reprisal.
When reporting allegations, please provide as much information and detail as possible, because that will assist in the investigation process. To the extent possible, all reports of fraud and corruption should include the following information:
- What occurred? Describe the events fully and using as much relevant detail as possible. Do not try to summarise as often relevant information is omitted.
- When did the event occur? State the time, date and place.
- Where did it occur? Try to identify clearly the actual place where you believe that such corruption may have occurred, such as the contractor, the office, in the field. Be as specific as you possibly can be.
- Identify that person or persons, or company or business you believe is responsible for the corruption. It is also pertinent to identify other individuals you believe may also be implicated, involved or may have knowledge.
- Explain your understanding of the allegations as they relate to the Bank or the Bank's activities. Explain whether Bank employees were involved solely or whether collusion exists.
- In all situations such as this and in the interests of fairness it is important you provide any information in good faith belief that the information you provide is true. This will promote due process and protect the reputation of all parties.
How to Report
As part of the Bank's program to combat corruption and fraud in its activities, the Bank has issued a Whistle-blower Complaints and Handling Policy that is administered by the IACD. As part of this program the IACD has established Hotlines and other avenues for the receipt of any complaints of fraud or corruption, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The purpose of the Hotline is to receive complaints from all sources; employees, contractors, consultants and the general public whether or not the individual provides their identity or remains anonymous. The identity and the information provided will be held in the strictest confidence. The IACD has secured telephone, email and facsimile hotlines and only IACD staff can answer this telephone or access the voice mailbox.
The IACD also has online forms for receiving complaints. When submitting a complaint online, please us the appropriate form. There are two separate reporting forms; (1) General Complaint Form and (2) Whistle-blower Retaliation Form. If the complaint does not include any retaliation or reprisal then use the "General Complaint Form" , otherwise use the "Whistle-blower Retaliation Form".
It should be noted that the process for receiving complaints is not restricted to the IACD. The process is not restricted to this medium and information) may be provided to any African Development office or an employee of the Bank. If such a disclosure of a corrupt or fraudulent act is made to a Bank employee, there is a mandatory obligation for this information to be reported to the IACD within a period of 7 days from the time of first receipt.
