Corruption Hunter Network

Today hunters from around 18-20 countries are meeting regularly to exchange experience and knowledge, to connect and to be of support and assistance for each other.

It is a different development project than the usual ones. But it has proven to be a live and relevant for its members since the very beginning of the network.

Corruption is a threat to development; hence the fight against corruption is also a fight against poverty. To be able to fight corruption we have to understand how it works. We know that huge amounts disappear illegally from developing countries to banks and financial institutions in developed countries.

We know that persons involved in corruption want to hide their identity, and are able to do so frequently under the cover of company structures. Developed countries are often host to organized crime and offer through national laws and regulation the possibility to hide the proceeds of crime. Hence, the value of meeting other persons who are working with investigation of similar cases from other countries – and who also have experience from a different political and social reality, has shown to be great.

Exchange of experience

The members of the network are mainly from police-, prosecution or heads of anti-corruption agencies. 

The network meets regularly to exchange experience, knowledge and views on what is working in the fight against corruption.  Frequently discussed issues are preventive work, investigation techniques, legal requests, how to prevent money laundering, and protection of whistle blowers, illicit capital flows and asset recovery. 

Moral support

Several of the members of the network have been exposed to political pressure and treats through their work and often experience little support.  They express great appreciation for the understanding, support and care which is shown for the work they do through the network and in between the meetings. To learn and experience other person’s views – from people who work within a similar field is seen as valuable.

Members from all regions

The members of the network will change over time. This will happen i.e. when one member of the network change work and position and now longer is an active corruption hunter. The members have come from Tanzania, Nigeria, Germany, Indonesia, U.K. Switzerland, Norway, Italy, South-Sudan, Bangladesh, Romania, Malawi, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Argentina, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Brazil, Zambia and South Africa. 

They are invited to the network by Norad without any form of approval from other authorities, but based on their integrity and proven work, and on their value for each other. 

To the meeting also other persons with special knowledge and experience viewed as important for the network members are invited, and they can be from civil society, investigative journalist, researchers and from government institutions. The UN organization for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is an important partner. From the Norwegian part we also want to strengthen other parts of the development cooperation using the knowledge and experience the members have.

Confidential meetings

The meetings of the network are closed to secure confidentiality and follow Chatham House Rule.