By PAUL O’DONOGHUE, Senior Correspondent
THE UK will create effective blacklists of people banned from holding key anti-financial crime roles under its new Anti-Corruption Strategy.
The initiative sets out over 100 measures to fight corruption and illicit finance across state bodies and law enforcement.
A key aim is to ensure the integrity of new hires. The UK said its the new ‘advisory lists’ will play a key role in this.
“In law enforcement, [we will] create barred and advisory lists for the NCA (National Crime Agency), Civil Nuclear Constabulary, British Transport Police and Ministry of Defence Police,” the strategy said.
“And ensure that policing bodies do not employ or appoint anyone on those lists.”
The government also said it will also “consider” drawing up similar lists for the following agencies:
- Home Office
- The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Department for Transport
- Ministry of Defence
UK Anti-Corruption Strategy screening
In addition to the ‘blacklists’, the government also said it will roll out tighter screening for new recruits in key positions.
“Insiders working in the police, prison service and at the border will be exposed through more robust vetting,” it said.
“[This will] ensure those with a history of corruption or serious misconduct cannot move undetected between organisations.
“Access to the Police National Database and expansion of National Integrity Screening will seek to strengthen this work.”
The government added: “Enhanced integrity checks will also be rolled out which require new recruits to Border Force and Immigration Enforcement to disclose previous convictions.
“From early next year, people linked to criminality in a former role will be blocked from jobs at the border. [This will] reduce the ability of organised crime groups to infiltrate frontline services to smuggle illegal items.”
Dan Jarvis, the UK’s Security Minister, said: “Our landmark strategy will take on the rogue actors and insiders. [Thos] who often exploit their positions of power and manipulate the public purse for personal gain.
“We will ensure the UK is a world leader in the fight against corruption.”
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