In recent years, whistleblowing channels have become a key element in the prevention, detection and investigation of fraud and corruption in companies. It is critical, both in the private and public sectors, to have the appropriate human and technological means to counteract any type of fraud and corruption. These countermeasures include the implementation of secure alert channels, the proper examination by external experts of the communications made by whistleblowers and, if necessary, the subsequent investigation by external experts. Without all of the above tools and policies in place, whistleblower protection could be ineffective.
Remote work has created an unbeatable opportunity to test the degree of maturity of whistleblowing channels in organizations. In a remote context, such as the current one, where the "onsite" identification of irregularities in the company by professionals who perform internal audit or management functions may become weaker, whistleblowing channels must "make up" for this potential weakness. To do so, it is essential for companies to promote their use, guarantee the confidentiality and anonymity of whistleblowers, as well as provide their employees with adequate training on how to use them.
According to the ACFE (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners) Report to the Nations 2022, whistleblowing channels were implemented in 54 percent of organizations in 2012, and channels rose to 70 percent by 2022. This...
Times of Malta's editorial team has demanded that alleged money-launderer Chris Spiteri remove false claims posted on Facebook against journalist Jacob Borg. An alert has also been filed with the ...