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After the acid attack: Let the (blame) game begin!
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An activist displays a poster stating:“We fight together with Novel Baswedan” as an expression of supports for the senior investigator of Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). (Antara/Reno Esnir)
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fter a recent acid attack on a senior investigator of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) the anti-graft body is currently facing another threat in the form of the House of Representatives’ exercising its inquiry right.
Many regard the political move as an attempt to interfere with KPK investigations, particularly those involving House members. However, some lawmakers initiating the motion insist the inquiry will ensure the transparency and appropriateness of KPK investigations.
Corruption investigation is no joke. It is a meticulous process that requires not only the right skill set but also the right mindset. Many experts argue that regardless of the various methods used, an investigation is essentially a process of knowledge discovery. Typically an investigation will at least address questions such as “what,” “who,” “when,” “where” and “how” about the case in question.
However, what truly sets a graft investigation apart from other knowledge discovery activities is the fact that it is performed in an adversarial environment. Simply put, it is an environment in which the interests of investigators and investigated parties do not align. After all, stepping on other people’s toes is simply unavoidable in corruption investigation.
Thus, as far as theories and practices of corruption investigation are concerned, one would be considered foolish to think that investigators and their subjects of investigation can sit together over coffee and discuss the best way to resolve allegations.
Fraudsters are often motivated to ensure that their schemes will never be uncovered by the investigators. One way of doing this is by manipulating potential evidence to conceal their past activities and to thwart the ongoing investigation. To anticipate this, investigators need to have a high level of perceptivity regarding traces of abnormal activities by the investigated parties.
Corruption investigation needs to be planned and executed in such a way to minimize the adversarial effects of its environment. Investigators need to be aware that the investigated parties will not just sit and do nothing while the investigation is progressing. They will most likely attempt to keep themselves updated with the latest information on the progress of the investigation to plan their next move.
