Dissecting the record life cycle: A new frontier in anti-corruption investigation strategies

Abstract

This study delves into the connection between the distinct phases of the record life cycle and anti-corruption investigations. Its primary objective is to identify how the activities involved in each stage of the record life cycle impact anti-corruption investigative work. A qualitative, exploratory case study methodology involved interviews with 15 anti-corruption investigators in Nigeria in 2020. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study explicates how various phases of evidence development can assist in anti-corrup- tion efforts while also revealing the potential dangers that could unintentionally facilitate the misconduct they seek to prevent. In Nigeria, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) relies entirely on records generated and maintained by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to execute its responsibilities. These records can serve as evidence at any point in their existence. As a result, the recordkeeping procedures of MDAs are crucial for generating records that satisfy the accountability criteria for anti-corruption investigations. Since corruption frequently involves tampering with records, and an unsatisfactory recordkeeping environment can foster corrupt behaviours in MDAs, a deeper understanding of the record life cycle is necessary for investigators to pinpoint the specific stage where misconduct arises and take corrective action. This anti-corruption investigation strategy that employs the record life cycle introduces a novel preventive approach that enables accountability forums to scrutinise MDAs’ recordkeeping procedures and identify and close loopholes that promote corruption.