Nay Pyi Taw (Myanmar), 20 November 2020 - Information is critical in investigations and effective management of data is in particular important for complex and often sensitive investigations related to corruption. With the technical assistance of United Nations Office on Drugs (UNODC), Myanmar’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is now moving from a paper-based case handling system to the goCASE integrated case management system. The implementation of this system will streamline the case investigation processes and significantly increase the efficiency of investigations by the Commission.
In 2018 and 2019, the ACC received more than 10,000 complaints, five times more than in 2017. Besides showing a growing recognition and trust in the ACC as an institution, this massive increase in complaints demonstrates a shift in public attitudes, where corrupt practices are increasingly viewed as an important matter to be addressed. Although many of the complaints fall outside the ACC’s mandate, or fall short of warranting investigation, the number of actionable complaints has increased substantially, making effective management of information and incoming data a crucial part of the Commission’ operations.
On 20 November 2020, Mr. Benedikt Hofmann, UNODC Myanmar Country Manager, handed over IT equipment for the deployment of the case management system goCASE. Developed by UNODC based on experience with helping criminal justice institutions’ information management needs around the world, goCASE is an integrated investigative case management and analysis tool for government law enforcement, investigative and prosecution agencies. The system will form a key part of the ACC’s core infrastructure in its new Headquarters in Nay Pyi Taw. 
Meeting with U Aung Kyi, the Chairman of the ACC, Mr. Hofmann said “UNODC is committed to the cooperation with the ACC as a key institution in the fight against corruption in Myanmar. The goCASE system will enable the Commission to live up to its growing institutional importance by offering a comprehensive, yet flexible, solution suited to the needs of the ACC investigators”.
In the course of most investigations, law enforcement professionals are faced with a multitude of information in differing formats. This can range from their own notes to records of interviews, photographs, fingerprint lifts, suspect and evidentiary documents, emails, banking documents and other information that may later prove to be pertinent to an investigation. Central to goCASE is a Data Management module that facilitates the capturing, storing and retrieving of all types of information, individuals, documents, events and exhibits related to a case. Another key advantage of the system is its integrated workflow engine which does not only control the investigation life cycle but also adapts to different workflow procedures and investigation categories.
The handover is part of UNODC's broader anti-corruption cooperation with the ACC and other relevant actors under the UNODC Myanmar Country Programme which aims to more effectively prevent, raise awareness of, detect, investigate and prosecute corruption, through support to legislative and regulatory reform, assistance to collect data for an evidence-based approach on corruption, capacity building for investigation and prevention of corruption, pro-active engagement of youth on integrity issues and strengthening accountability and capacity to address corruption within government ministries through Corruption Prevention Units. Supported by Sweden as well as Denmark, Norway and the Siemens Integrity Initiative, the programme also promotes resilience in key sectors through targeted anti-corruption risk assessments.
