Explanation

The social damage of corruption is enormous. Nevertheless, a large part of the population (in many societies) participates in corrupt activities. The widespread nature of corruption leads to the persistence and spread of corrupt behavior in a society. Although all members of society actually know that society as a whole, and thus they themselves, would be better off if there were no corruption, they continue to participate in corrupt activities. It is common practice in society, and it leads to immediate personal gain.

The corruption that prevails in a country is strongly based on ingrained patterns of behavior. A profound break in society (such as a war or a political revolution) offers the opportunity to break such patterns of behavior. There is a great willingness among the population to rebuild society. This society should be free of corruption. Accordingly, the radical fight against corruption is an important step in building this new society.

For a radical fight against corruption, the appropriate institutional means are needed. These include the points mentioned in the concept.

Officially set key date as starting point

A corruption-free society meets society's needs. If the government announces a starting point for radical steps in this direction, it signals to the population that this step has institutional backing and political support. At the same time, an official starting point synchronizes and coordinates the fight against corruption among the population. The population knows when the measures will take effect and what behavior is expected by society from that point on.

At the same time, the key date indicates that this amnesty offer is a one-off opportunity. Anyone who does not take advantage of this opportunity runs the risk of being punished for corrupt actions (in the past).

Amnesty against guilty plea

The offer of "amnesty for guilty plea" creates a strong incentive for corrupt individuals to change their behavior. A person who confesses to their past corrupt actions shows that they are aware of their wrongdoing. At the same time, the amnesty protects that person from being prosecuted for his past misconduct. This creates opportunities at the individual level to come to terms with past practices and take a clear step away from corruption.

Amnesties for crimes and offenses are politically controversial. According to a literature review (Chene, 2019), amnesties have most often been used for human rights violations in post-conflict contexts. In such a context, amnesty can foster political stability and ensure a non-violent political transition. For example, the "amnesty for guilty plea" model was successfully implemented by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission under Desmond Tutu in post-apartheid South Africa.

Future fight against corruption on a new basis

With the admissions of guilt by those willing to change, a great deal of incriminating information about corrupt behavior by those unwilling to cooperate accumulates. This information can be evaluated to hold such individuals accountable. This strengthens the fight against corruption for the future.

Tamper proof filing

The guilty pleas of those willing to cooperate must be stored in a tamper-proof manner. This is for two reasons. Tamper-proof data storage signals transparency, and transparency is the most effective means against corruption. Furthermore, the fact that data is stored in a tamper-proof manner facilitates its use for the prosecution of non-cooperating individuals. If the data is stored in a tamper-proof manner, it is ensured that the data in possible criminal proceedings will exactly match the information provided by the persons willing to cooperate. The stored data can be used as witness statements.