The World Bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) investigates allegations of fraud, corruption, collusion, coercion and obstruction in World Bank-funded projects. Our investigations are primarily based upon the information we receive, so it is extremely important that people who are involved in activities supported by World Bank funds take the initiative to report suspected fraud or corruption.
Below are definitions and examples that can help you to determine whether you should submit an allegation.
Fraud
A fraudulent practice is any act or omission, including a misrepresentation, that knowingly or recklessly misleads, or attempts to mislead, a party to obtain a financial or other benefit or to avoid an obligation.
Hypothetical example of fraud: In a few years since its establishment, a consulting company is awarded multiple World Bank-financed contracts, totaling millions of dollars. The proposals submitted by the consulting company contain numerous examples of past project experience and references that contribute to its success and eligibility. However, a review of the consulting company's past project experience reveals that the company has claimed the experiences of individual consultants as its own. It has also grossly exaggerated the value of the projects that it has undertaken.
Please note: INT does not have the jurisdiction to investigate email scams that misuse the World Bank name or logo. Please contact local law enforcement authorities if you believe you have been a victim of this type of fraud.
Corruption
A corrupt practice is the offering, giving, receiving or soliciting, directly or indirectly, anything of value to influence improperly the actions of another party.
Hypothetical example of corruption: A supplier agrees to pay "kickbacks" to a senior government official whose influence over the bid evaluation committee can steer the award of the contract. This supplier builds in the kickback amount as a percentage of the contract value, and pays for it from the funds it receives from the World Bank-financed project. Project financing costs are artificially inflated by these practices, and the supplier recovers costs by providing less expensive and lower quality goods.
Collusion
A collusive practice is an arrangement between two or more parties designed to achieve an improper purpose, including influencing improperly the actions of another party.
Hypothetical example of collusion: Rather than compete with each other, several local suppliers of a commonly used product agree to work together on several upcoming tenders for a World Bank project. This practice ensures that each of the suppliers will win some of the contracts. It also ensures a high profit margin for all who have colluded, thus not providing the best value for the client.
Coercion
A coercive practice is impairing or harming, or threatening to impair or harm, directly or indirectly, any party or the property of the party to influence improperly the actions of a party.
Hypothetical example of coercion: People connected to a competitor block a contractor from entering the building where bid opening is taking place, stopping him from submitting his bid for a World Bank-funded project. They tell him that "if he cares for his family, he should not submit a bid." Another bidder who comes to submit a bid is also stopped by these same people who tell the bidder that "it is not his turn to win this contract." The two bidders do not submit bids out of fear and leave.
Obstruction
An obstructive practice is deliberately destroying, falsifying, altering or concealing evidence material to the investigation or making false statements to investigators in order to materially impede a World Bank investigation.
Hypothetical example of obstruction: World Bank investigators contact a company alleged to have paid a bribe on a World Bank-financed contract and request to audit the company's financial records. The company refuses to do so despite its agreement and obligation under the contract to allow the World Bank access to these records. Furthermore, the company also withholds key documents and alters other documents that are given to the investigators.
Staff Misconduct
In addition to the above sanctionable practices, INT investigates allegations of misconduct involving Bank staff. Such allegations may include: misuse of Bank funds or other public funds for personal gain of oneself or another; abuse of position for personal gain of oneself or another; attendant conflicts of interest; and related acts of misconduct occurring in Bank-financed operations.