From commitment to impact: unpacking the relationship between anti-corruption implementation, secrecy and fraud

Purpose This article aims to examine how the implementation of anti-corruption frameworks is associated with transparency, secrecy and fraud prevention across jurisdictions in the Western Hemisphere (North America, the Caribbean, Central America and South America). Design/methodology/approach The analysis explores whether adopting international anti-corruption conventions is associated with enhanced governmental transparency or coincides with increased financial secrecy and fraud. Findings Results indicate a nuanced, U-shaped relationship: initial adoption of anti-corruption conventions tends to reduce secrecy, but at higher levels of implementation, secrecy may paradoxically increase. Additionally, higher levels of implementation are associated with an increased frequency of fraud incidents, suggesting potential unintended consequences of the adoption of anti-corruption conventions. Originality/value This study contributes to understanding the complex effects of anti-corruption treaties, highlighting the need for rigorous enforcement mechanisms and ongoing monitoring to ensure conventions achieve their intended outcomes and prevent unintended consequences such as symbolic compliance or increased financial secrecy.