Agents of change

Over the past 20 years or so, Africa has seen an exponential growth in anti-corruption agencies as governments across the continent seek to fight what’s still considered to be an endemic problem. Here we look at the history behind ACAs, some case studies and how CFEs can assist in these efforts.

Late last year, Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), began to prepare the sale of assets that Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), had bought allegedly through ill-gotten gains.

This list of items on the selling block, which included a 90-carat, emerald-cut diamond worth $10.6 million and a sapphire-studded bra valued at $12.5 million, drew comparisons with Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines who used state money to fund a lavish lifestyle, and is mostly remembered for her collection of 3,000 pairs of shoes.