Protecting witnesses, experts and victims
While many corruption investigations are financial crime scene inquiries with cases built on documentary evidence, some cases will require key witnesses (such as those who saw payments being made), experts (who can explain to judges, assessors or juries both the nature of the financial activities and what they may mean in terms of corrupt relationships or the acquisition of illicit assets) or victims (who can describe how they were deprived of funds or assets by the suspects). In some cases, measures will need to be put in place to ensure intimidation is avoided prior to a trial or to ensure the evidence is presented in ways that protect the intimidation or anonymity of any witnesses in court. These measures may be physical (such as the presence of anti-corruption agency or law enforcement officials at the person’s trial) or related to temporary relocation, or they may involve using technology to present evidence from another location.