Sharing information: Who should have access to what and when?

December 2, 2010
FEATURING
Margaret:
Is there a danger in too much information-sharing with local authorities, assuming government personnel are involved in the corruption?
Paul Haynes:
Welcome everyone! I'm Paul Haynes and I'm sitting here with my colleague Simon Robertson. Together we will be answering your questions this morning.

We are always careful with whom we share information when dealing with sensitive matters such as corruption. We are especially diligent when it comes to protecting the source of the information, redacting information to such an extent that the source cannot be identified.

The Bank's Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) primarily deals with national anti-corruption agencies with which it has established trusted relationships.

Liz:
nformation protecting witnesses needs to remain confidential. How much additional security does the Bank offer its witnesses during an investigation and beyond?
Paul Haynes:
The Bank's Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) understands the difficult environment in which the Bank operates in many parts of the world and we appreciate the position and concerns of some individuals who provide information to INT under difficult circumstances.

Under certain conditions, INT has the ability to enter into a Confidentiality Agreement to protect the source of the information. This governs how INT stores, uses, acts on and shares the information obtained under such an Agreement.

By way of example, a source may be very concerned about threats to his or her personal safety or risks to their livelihood. Others, however, are more than willing to provide information openly. Each case is judged on its merits.

Viviana Sosa:
Does media coverage of corruption cases generally facilitate or deter information sharing among governments? Can you cite an example of either?
Paul Haynes:
The media and civil society play an important role in highlighting and reporting instances of fraudulent and corrupt practice worldwide.

At times, the reporting on alleged corruption in particular jurisdictions can act as a trigger to information sharing and investigative actions.

Information obtained through media and civil society undergoes a considerable amount of scrutiny and corroboration.

The reporting of cases prosecuted by national authorities may highlight risks to Bank operations in certain countries or sectors. For example, an entity prosecuted in one country for corrupt activities in a second country in which the entity also won World Bank-financed contracts heightens awareness of risks of corruption under those contracts. On occasion, the Bank's Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) has opened its own investigation as a result.

Peter:
The Wiki-leaks story has created global havoc and- among other things- revealed many corruption stories that were untold. How much of that was known but left untouched by your Corruption Hunters Alliance?
Paul Haynes:
As noted in our response to Viviana's question, media can often draw our attention to matters of concern. If, as a result of the media coverage of the Wiki-leaks story, members of the Corruption Hunters Alliance identify issues that concern World Bank operations, the Bank will act accordingly.
Sunniya:
What steps is the World Bank taking to make more information accessible to the Corruption Hunters and how much success have you had in setting up some platform for a broader exchange of information?
Paul Haynes:
The Bank has taken great strides in this area over recent years, for example the signing of a number of information sharing Memoranda of Understanding between the Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) and some members of the Corruption Hunters Alliance.

One aim of the inaugural meeting of the International Corruption Hunters Alliance to be held next week will be to strengthen information exchange among the Alliance members and to discuss the best platform for this to take place in a secure environment.