ACC overhauls investigation procedures with nine amendments, including new compliance chapter

The Anti‑Corruption Commission (ACC) has amended its Criminal Procedure Regulations in a bid to expedite corruption investigations and strengthen its case‑handling framework.

The ACC said the primary objective of the amendment is to reinforce the system used to investigate corruption cases, improve follow‑through on results, and increase the overall speed of investigations.

Under the amendment, every case submitted to the ACC must undergo an assessment before an investigation can begin. The assessment determines the time frame for completion and evaluates the case against 10 criteria, including public interest, potential financial loss, risk of evidence destruction, and likelihood of external influence. Cases are then categorised, with each category assigned a specific deadline for completion.

If a case cannot be completed within the prescribed time frame, the deadline may be extended following a review under the procedures set out in the amended rules.

The ACC said the changes were made as part of its new strategic plan to strengthen investigations and address longstanding delays in case processing.

A total of nine amendments have been made to the regulations. The most significant change is the addition of a new chapter titled “Compliance with Notices of the Commission” under Chapter 16, which outlines procedures to be followed when the Prosecutor General requests the ACC to investigate a particular case.

The ACC said the amendments are intended to further strengthen its investigative framework and improve the procedures followed in corruption investigations.

The amended Criminal Procedure Regulations came into effect on Sunday.

The ACC has long faced public criticism for failing to investigate major corruption cases. Although successive governments have pledged to ensure the ACC operates independently and tackles high‑profile corruption, the commission’s performance has often fallen short of public expectations.