The Anti-Corruption Commission has revised its criminal procedure rules as part of an effort to reduce delays in corruption investigations and introduce clearer timelines for case handling.
The amendments require every case submitted to the ACC to go through an initial assessment before a formal investigation begins. This process will determine the expected time frame for completing the case and assess it against 10 criteria, including public interest, possible financial loss, the risk of evidence being destroyed, and the likelihood of external influence.
Following the assessment, cases will be placed into categories, with each category assigned a specific deadline for completion. Where a case cannot be concluded within the prescribed period, the deadline may be extended after a review carried out under the amended procedures.
According to the ACC, the changes are part of its new strategic plan to improve the commission’s investigative work, strengthen follow-up on outcomes, and address long-running delays in processing cases.
A total of nine amendments have been made to the Criminal Procedure Regulations. One of the key additions is a new section titled “Compliance with Notices of the Commission” under Chapter 16. This section sets out the procedures to be followed when the Prosecutor General asks the ACC to investigate a specific case.
The commission said the amendments are intended to make corruption investigations more structured and improve the procedures used in handling complaints.
The revised regulations came into effect on Sunday.
The changes come as the ACC continues to face public scrutiny over its handling of major corruption cases. Successive administrations have pledged to ensure the commission operates independently and pursues high-profile cases, but its performance has often drawn criticism over delays and limited visible outcomes.
