When corruption is suspected or found, it needs to be investigated. Investigations can lead to criminal or administrative prosecution, leading to possible imprisonment, fines or restitution orders; disciplinary actions within an organization or public body that could result in dismissal or demotion; remedial actions such as retraining or restructuring to reduce opportunities for corruption; and reporting to an anti-corruption agency.

Corruption is a complex issue, and it can be difficult to prove that someone has committed a corrupt act. For example, bribery usually involves a sum of money paid to a person in exchange for something they have done or will do. Investigators need to be able to check bank records to see whether large amounts of money are being transferred from one account to another and to look for patterns such as sudden withdrawals and deposits. It is also necessary to find out what role the wrongdoer holds in an organization or public body. If they are a senior official, it may be possible to record a video of them accepting a bribe.

Investigations of corruption are often sensitive. They can be politically motivated and can have a huge impact on an individual, family and wider community. This is why investigations must be conducted in a transparent manner, and why procedures should be put in place to ensure that all allegations of corruption are investigated. This includes a clear protocol for when a report can be handled internally by the organization or public body, and when it must be passed to an anti-corruption agency or police.