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Nazrin Abdul

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In an era where corruption continues to evolve in sophistication and scale, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the global effort to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability. Traditional investigative methods—while essential—are increasingly inadequate in addressing the complexities of modern corruption schemes, which often involve vast networks, cross-border financial transactions, and cyber-enabled concealment tactics.

AI offers unprecedented capabilities in detecting and preventing corruption. Through the analysis of large datasets, real-time surveillance of financial systems, and predictive modeling, AI tools can identify patterns, anomalies, and risks that human oversight might miss. From automating red flag detection in public procurement to tracing beneficial ownership in shell companies, AI is reshaping the way law enforcement agencies, auditors, and compliance bodies operate.

Against this backdrop, the 6th Plenary Session and 10th Steering Committee Meeting of the UN Global Operations Network of Law Enforcement Agencies Against Corruption (GlobE Network)—held in Baku, Azerbaijan—marked a pivotal moment for the international anti-corruption community. The event’s central theme, “Possibilities of Applying New Technologies and Artificial Intelligence in the Fight Against Corruption,” captured the urgency of embracing innovation to counter corruption’s adaptive nature.

With the participation of senior officials from approximately 50 countries, this high-level gathering highlighted how AI and digital transformation are not merely technical tools but strategic enablers of global anti-corruption efforts. The discussions reflected a growing consensus: to stay ahead of increasingly complex corruption threats, international cooperation must go hand-in-hand with technological advancement.

A new frontier: Technology and AI in anti-corruption

At the heart of the Plenary Session was a forward-looking theme: “Possibilities of Applying New Technologies and Artificial Intelligence in the Fight Against Corruption.” The topic is not only timely but critical, as the global landscape of corruption becomes increasingly complex with the rise of digital financial systems, virtual assets, and cyber-enabled crime.

More than 100 contributions—including expert speeches, panel discussions, and parallel sessions—explored issues ranging from asset confiscation, direct recovery of illicit gains, and transaction monitoring, to international coordination for freezing suspect financial accounts. This multidimensional approach illustrates the need for AI-driven tools that can rapidly analyze financial data, flag anomalies in real time, and detect patterns in cross-jurisdictional corruption networks.

AI is uniquely positioned to revolutionize law enforcement’s ability to preempt corruption rather than merely respond to it. From natural language processing (NLP) tools that detect procurement fraud to machine learning models capable of identifying unexplained wealth or shell company networks, the technology offers real-time, scalable solutions to problems that were once thought insurmountable.

Azerbaijan's emerging role as a hub of global anti-corruption dialogue

Azerbaijan’s hosting of the Plenary is emblematic of its growing international visibility in the governance and rule of law sphere. Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev highlighted the country's strategic role in convening high-level dialogues, citing recent global events such as COP29 and the 29th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors.

By aligning anti-corruption initiatives with its broader goals of digital transformation and transparency, Azerbaijan seeks to position itself as a regional hub for innovation in legal enforcement. The country's focus on environmental crimes—addressed through dedicated parallel sessions—also aligns with the growing trend of integrating anti-corruption mechanisms into environmental governance frameworks, especially under the rubric of climate finance and sustainability.

The GlobE Network: From information sharing to operational impact

The GlobE Network, described by stakeholders as a trust-based and operational platform, continues to strengthen international coordination. Its unique value lies in operational agility: facilitating real-time information exchange, enabling informal cooperation between agencies, and reducing legal and procedural delays that often hamper transnational investigations.

Brigitte Strobel-Shaw of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) emphasized that corruption “knows no borders and hides in legislative gaps.” Her statement encapsulates the structural weaknesses that AI and intergovernmental networks aim to address. By mapping corruption typologies and embedding AI tools within legal enforcement systems, institutions can better preempt and dismantle corruption ecosystems.

UN Resident Coordinator Vladanka Andreeva added a crucial developmental dimension, noting that corruption undermines the rights of citizens and disrupts the foundations of good governance. She reaffirmed the importance of the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) as the cornerstone of international legal standards, calling for strengthened partnerships and transparency to drive sustainable development.

Corruption in conflict-affected regions: A case from Azerbaijan

In his official address, President Ilham Aliyev broadened the discussion by contextualizing corruption within post-conflict reconstruction and geopolitical dynamics. Highlighting Armenia’s long-term occupation and the subsequent illicit exploitation of resources in the occupied territories, he linked anti-corruption with sovereignty, justice, and economic revitalization.

This narrative introduces a less explored but vital domain in anti-corruption: the use of AI and digital tools in post-conflict regions where institutional voids and opaque transactions are prevalent. In such settings, AI can help in auditing reconstruction funds, preventing elite capture, and enforcing compliance through blockchain-based transparency platforms.

While the enthusiasm around AI is warranted, a nuanced approach is necessary. The deployment of AI in law enforcement must adhere to strict data protection standards and ethical frameworks to prevent overreach, algorithmic bias, or misuse. The GlobE Network could play a role not only in operational coordination but also in shaping global standards for the ethical use of technology in legal contexts.

As AI continues to evolve, its strategic integration into anti-corruption frameworks must be guided by both innovation and accountability. The challenge is not only technological but institutional: building capacities, fostering interagency collaboration, and ensuring public trust.

The 6th Plenary Session of the GlobE Network reflects a growing consensus that fighting corruption in the 21st century requires tools, technologies, and trust-based partnerships. AI and emerging technologies offer unprecedented potential, but their success will depend on multilateral commitment, policy coherence, and shared values.

As the international community continues to confront old threats in new forms, platforms like the GlobE Network—and nations like Azerbaijan stepping forward to host them—will play a central role in shaping a more transparent, accountable, and digitally resilient global order.