BRICS countries reaffirm commitment to combat corruption, welcome cooperation on fugitive offenders

New Delhi: Reaffirming their commitment to prevent and combat corruption, BRICS countries on Saturday welcomed the 'Informal Cooperation for Tracing Fugitive Offenders Sought for Corruption and Supporting Extradition' and the establishment of the Expert Network on Asset Recovery.

The grouping emphasised stronger international cooperation on asset recovery, fugitive offenders and cross-border corruption in the 'New Delhi Declaration' adopted on Saturday.

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In the 45-page declaration adopted during the BRICS Summit held under the chairship of India, the grouping welcomed the establishment of the BRICS Expert Network on Asset Recovery to enhance cooperation among focal points and experts and encourage competent authorities to make active and effective use of practical tools developed by the network.

"We reaffirm our commitment to promote BRICS cooperation in preventing and combating corruption and to the continued implementation of relevant international agreements in this regard, in particular the United Nations Convention against Corruption," it said.

The grouping said it recognises the progress achieved under the BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group in strengthening international cooperation on asset recovery and combating cross-border corruption.

"We also welcome the BRICS Repository on Informal Cooperation for Tracing Fugitive Offenders Sought for Corruption and Supporting Extradition. We acknowledge ongoing discussions on the proposal of developing a Network of Law Enforcement Practitioners for enhancing international cooperation on Fugitive Offenders, in accordance with our respective domestic legal frameworks," it said.

The countries said they would continue implementing relevant international agreements, particularly the United Nations Convention against Corruption, or UNCAC.

The declaration highlighted progress made by the BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group in strengthening international cooperation on asset recovery and combating cross-border corruption.

"We also acknowledge the initiatives of BRICS countries aimed at promoting transparency, integrity and accountability in governance and the exchange of good practices related to ethical governance and technology-driven systems. We encourage continued cooperation among BRICS countries to strengthen anti-corruption frameworks and institutional capacities," it said.

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The members stressed the importance of effective criminal asset recovery in combating corruption and encouraged BRICS countries to strengthen cooperation, including through asset tracing networks and other practical mechanisms to facilitate the recovery and the return of assets in accordance with UNCAC and domestic laws.

BRICS countries said discussions were continuing on a proposal to establish a Network of Law Enforcement Practitioners to enhance international cooperation on fugitive offenders, in accordance with the respective domestic legal frameworks of member countries.

The countries encouraged continued cooperation to strengthen anti-corruption frameworks and institutional capacities.