Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)
The Anti-Corruption Bureau of Georgia was established following amendments to the Law on the Fight Against Corruption on November 30, 2022. This reform consolidated corruption prevention mechanisms, including power of special administrative proceedings, under a single independent institution. The Bureau was established under the 4th priority set by the European Commission for Georgia’s application to become a candidate member of the European Union. The Bureau’s mandate became fully operational since September 1, 2023.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau encompasses all primary functions of corruption prevention within its mandate. A key aspect of its work involves setting anti-corruption policies in close coordination with relevant stakeholders, including civil society and academia; overseeing policy implementation; and providing necessary recommendations. The Bureau operates independently and is accountable to the Parliament of Georgia.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau is headed by the Head of the Bureau, who is assisted by two deputies. The Head of the Bureau is selected by an independent commission and later appointed by the Prime Minister for a 6-year term. The guarantees of independence of the Bureau, including the immunity of the Head of the Bureau, are prescribed in the Law on the Fight Against Corruption.
The Bureau’s mandate covers the following directions:
- Developing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, Action Plan, and Anti-Corruption Policy document and ensuring their implementation;
- Ensuring and monitoring public officials’ asset declarations;
- Monitoring political finances;
- Monitoring and developing proposals for ethics, integrity, and accountability in public service;
- Identifying conflicts of interest and conducting risk assessments;
- Protecting whistle-blowers;
- Representing Georgia internationally and coordinating anti-corruption efforts (GRECO, UNODC, etc.);
- Studying best international anti-corruption practices;
- Raising anti-corruption awareness.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau is a member of the various international networks, such as the Network for Integrity (NFI), the European Partners against Corruption (EPAC), and the Network of European Integrity and Whistleblowing Authorities (NEIWA).