Corruption and anti-corruption strategies in Iran: An overview of the preventive, detective and punitive measures

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the various anti-corruption strategies used to fight economic and financial crimes in both the public and private sectors in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper relied essentially on a secondary source of information. Materials used were collected in an eclectic manner from published outlets such as journal publications, books, online sources and newspaper reports. Also, official documents and statutes were also used. This study’s scope is limited to issues and analysis relating to measures adopted to combat corruption in Iran.

Findings

The legal and institutional frameworks analysed indicated that Iran has a robust anti-corruption scheme. However, there is no adequate measure available to gauge the effectiveness of these measures.

Practical implications

The paper concludes that conventional anti-corruption methods are not enough to fight corruption in this present time, thus, the implementation of whistle-blower policy and allowing freedom of operation of the civil society organisations and media would assist in the fight against corruption in Iran.

Originality/value

The paper provides the legal and institutional anti-corruption frameworks in Iran. It explores the three major approaches or methods of combating corruption and other corrupt practices in Iran.

Citation

Salihu, H.A. and Jafari, A. (2020), "Corruption and anti-corruption strategies in Iran: An overview of the preventive, detective and punitive measures", Journal of Money Laundering Control, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 77-89. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMLC-01-2019-0001