RUSI and Grant Thornton launch international anti-corruption initiative

Grant Thornton and the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) announce the launch of their first joint roundtable, a new initiative on international anti-corruption frameworks and asset recovery in developing democracies, on 6 October 2011.

The inaugural event in Whitehall, London, will focus discussions on the practical issues faced by young developing states attempting to inhibit corrupt practices and how developed nations, and the skills within their government and business sectors, can better assist in stabilisation and recovery.

Discussions will cover the effects of corruption on society, the most effective practices for countering corruption, retrieving assets and the issues faced when pursuing criminal and civil claims in parallel.  

Also to be discussed are the realities of fighting corruption in regions where domestic courts are heavily influenced and how anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies can combine both criminal and civil prosecution to best effect using readily available international frameworks and the legal systems in overseas jurisdictions. 

Kevin Hellard, Partner, FIND*, Grant Thornton said: 'corruption is a global and trans-border issue. In order for those operating within the anti-corruption arena to work successfully, a joined-up approach is required. It is essential that those regions and governments that have developed and established anti-corruption frameworks work with the fledgling and younger democracies in order for them to successfully grow their operations for the benefit of all. We are delighted to be partnering with RUSI and our international experts in order to build towards this.'

Dr John Louth, Deputy Director, Defence Industries and Society, RUSI said; 'an independent, robustly researched body of knowledge is critical to the successful delivery of an anti-corruption agenda. RUSI is committed to proactive, extensive research in this area and is pleased to be working with Grant Thornton.'

In addition to Kevin Hellard, Grant Thornton and Dr John Louth, RUSI there will also be representation from EAPD LLP, Laurence Graham LLP and Nardello & Co LLP during the afternoon panel discussion.

Notes to editors

*FIND is Grant Thornton's specialist asset recovery division. The FIND team helps people, companies and financial institutions that have been the victims of fraud and assist them with tracing, locating and recovering assets that have been acquired out of the proceeds of fraud or other economic crime.

Grant Thornton UK LLP is a leading business and financial adviser with offices in 27 locations nationwide. We are a member firm within Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world's leading international organisations of independently owned and managed accounting and consulting firms. Clients of member and correspondent firms can access the knowledge and experience of 2,600 partners and 30,000 employees in over 100 countries and consistently receive a distinctive, high quality and personalised service wherever they choose to do business.

©2011 Grant Thornton UK LLP. All rights reserved. www.grant-thornton.co.uk

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is an independent think-tank for defence and security. RUSI is a unique institution; founded in 1831 by the Duke of Wellington, it embodies nearly two centuries of forward thinking, free discussion and careful reflection on defence and security matters.