A corruption probe is an investigation into bribery and other forms of corrupt behaviour. It can be carried out internally by organisations or government bodies, or externally by anti-corruption agencies or police. Corruption involves abuse of entrusted or public authority for personal gain. This can include bribery, fraud, embezzlement and influence peddling. It is generally difficult to prove grand corruption and evidence often needs to be gathered piecemeal, much like a jigsaw, and put together as each new piece of information becomes available.

It is important to have clear protocols about when reports of corruption are worth investigating and who should do so. Otherwise limited resources and time may result in the arbitrary selection of cases most advantageous to an organization or State.

One of the most significant challenges facing prosecutors is that of balancing the public interest in a case and the defendant’s right to a fair trial. This article discusses the ways prosecutors can manage these competing interests by making effective use of legal tools, such as cooperation agreements, non-prosecution agreements and immunity orders.