Introduction to Corruption and Bribery

Course purpose

This Specialist course introduces corruption and bribery as legal, financial, governance and human conduct risks. It develops a disciplined approach to concepts, jurisdiction, public- and private-sector schemes, intermediaries, books and records, transaction testing, beneficial ownership, interviews, evidence, prevention and remediation. Learners map an alleged exchange of value to actors, decisions, business purpose, accounts and concealed benefits without treating a red flag as proof. The course uses the United Nations Convention against Corruption, OECD anti-bribery instruments and ISO 37001:2025 as comparative reference points; applicable national law and organizational authority remain controlling. It does not authorize covert activity, compulsory process, legal conclusions, employment action, asset restraint or public accusation.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

1. Distinguish corruption, bribery, kickbacks, facilitation payments, conflicts of interest, trading in influence and related concepts under applicable law.
2. Map actors, decisions, benefits, intermediaries, books and records and evidence in an alleged bribery or corruption scheme.
3. Apply risk-based transaction testing, third-party due diligence and investigative procedures with authority, proportionality and due process.

Recommend proportionate prevention, reporting and remediation within jurisdictional, professional and organizational boundaries.