Anti-corruption reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina are at a standstill and the authorities should prioritize amendments to the law with the aim of strengthening the framework for combating conflicts of interest, for access to information and prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorist activities in accordance with international standards and best practices, it is stated in the report of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the concluded consultations with Bosnia and Herzegovina for this year.
In addition, as stated in the report, it is necessary to ensure greater independence and integrity of the judiciary and prosecutor’s office.
“The authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina should improve surveillance activities in the area of preventing money laundering and financing of terrorist activities by strengthening measures to identify and monitor politically exposed persons and by focusing on the transparency of taxpayers,” the report states.
The IMF adds that it is necessary to strengthen efforts in the investigation and processing of cases of corruption and money laundering at a high level, among other things by prioritizing digitization and interconnection of relevant registers and databases.
“Weak institutional solutions and laws, as well as weak enforcement of measures, hinder the independence and efficiency of anti-corruption and anti-money laundering agencies and facilitate money laundering from property benefits obtained through corruption,” the report states.
The IMF points out that Bosnia and Herzegovina needs a more competitive and transparent public procurement framework, because, as they state, public procurement data warns of corruption, and competitive conditions are often lacking in these procedures.
