Switzerland to step up fight against corruption
The government has signalled its intention to step up the fight against corruption by approving a Council of Europe convention. The new text is said to go further than existing European agreements on fighting corruption.
The Council of Europe treaty targets domestic as well as cross-border corruption. It requires signatories to take legal action against officials – including foreign officials – members of international organisations and judges who offer or accept bribes.
The criminal law convention has so far been signed by 31 states – including two non-members – and ratified by nine. The Swiss government said it would sign the agreement in the near future.
Private individuals who offer or accept bribes, or are involved in money laundering, are also covered by the terms of the convention.
The new convention aims to improve international cooperation in the fight against corruption and harmonise legislation in signatory states. It is due to come into effect once it has been ratified by 14 countries.
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