This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from the European Commission. The Anti-Corruption Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International and funded by the European Union.
Query
Could you provide an overview of corruption and anti-corruption in the Cook Islands?
CONTENT
1. Overview of corruption in the Cook Islands
2. Governance structure and anti-corruption efforts in the Cook Islands
3. References
CAVEAT
Recent literature and studies on the current political situation in the Cook Islands as well as in-depth research on corruption and the impact of corruption on specific sectors in the country are limited.
SUMMARY
The lack of available information makes it difficult to assess the level of corruption and its impact in the Cook Islands. Nevertheless, according to international surveys, the Cook Islands is situated around the global average in terms of its performance on governance indicators but perform poorly in terms of the rule of law.
Nepotism and political corruption appear to be the main corruption risks in the Cook Islands. In addition, being an offshore financial centre makes the country vulnerable to money laundering.
Authors
Sofia Wickberg , Transparency International, [email protected]
Reviewer
Robin Hodess, Ph.D., Transparency International
Date
21/01/2013
