Icac looks at tougher penalties to fight corruption

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
TOUGHER penalties will be looked at by the Independent Commission against Corruption (Icac) as it begins to structure, recruit and set up office to begin work of fighting corruption.
Icac chairman Thomas Eluh told The National that he would like to see tougher penalties imposed on those who are charged by Icac.
“As it is penalties imposed are according to the Criminal Code Act which is used by the constabulary,” he said.
“While we will be using those penalties I will, in the near future, re-look at the penalties for tougher jail time and monetary fines.
“I feel that the penalties under the Criminal Code Act does not have an impact and will not have an impact on those who are charged.
“I will be pushing to re-visit the penalty provisions.”
Eluh gave an example of the penalties that would be imposed on anyone charged under Icac.
“The penalties go back to the laws, if someone is charged for misappropriation of funds, the charges would be the charges found in the Criminal Code Act such as official corruption, misappropriation of funds etc.
“The charges do not have an impact, penalties are too lenient and, thus, I would be looking at increasing the charges so they can be a deterrent. Icac has the determination to fight corruption and there should be some impact when we handle cases,” Eluh said.