The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has amended its Rules of Criminal Procedure, introducing new procedures aimed at strengthening corruption investigations and improving the timeliness of case handling.

The amendments are intended to establish a more effective investigation framework, improve the quality of investigations and enable cases to be concluded more efficiently.

Under the revised regulation, every case submitted to the Commission must undergo a preliminary assessment before a formal investigation begins. The assessment will be used to determine a timeframe for resolving the case, taking into account the circumstances surrounding the complaint.

The regulation also requires cases to be categorised based on 10 assessment criteria, including the public interest, the scale of financial loss, the risk of evidence being destroyed and the possibility of undue influence. Specific completion timeframes will then be assigned according to each category.

If a case cannot be completed within the designated timeframe, any extension must be granted in accordance with the procedures set out in the amended regulation following a review of the case.

The ACC said the amendments form part of the implementation of its new strategic plan, which includes efforts to strengthen investigations and address delays in handling corruption cases.

The Commission expressed confidence that the revised regulation will further strengthen its investigative process and improve the procedures used to investigate corruption cases.