Guide to reporting

If you have decided to make a report, then read the following technical tips on how to report safely as well as the guidance on the information you should provide in order to make your report as credible and useful to the authorities as possible.

Report Comprehensively

Do

  • Indicate if the suspect(s) is aware of the allegation.
  • Provide a chronological account of the information known about the suspected criminal activities.
  • Provide a summary of any enquiries already undertaken.
  • Provide an assessment of the significance or impact of the matter.
  • Provide copies of any relevant documentation.
  • Provide copies of any relevant legal advice sought and provided to you.
  • Provide details of how the alleged criminal activity is suspected of breaching foreign bribery laws.
  • Provide details of the suspected offender(s) (name, location, date of birth).
  • Provide documentary evidence such as witness statements or affidavits, e-mails, faxes, letters, videos, text messages or recorded conversations.
  • Provide information on whether there are any other witnesses who are able to back you up and confirm your suspicions.
  • Remember that every piece of information is important. It may seem insignificant to you but it could prove vital to the investigation, arrest and prosecution.
  • Remember that evidence relating to a complaint should be kept in a safe place.
  • State whether the alleged criminal activity is still going on or has ceased.

Don't

  • Make a malicious report knowing that the report is incorrect.
  • Make telephone calls from your work place, as organisations can easily trace telephone numbers.

Report Safely

Do

  • Do make sure that the internet site for submitting your complaint uses SSL (as for banking - identified by the padlock in the browser and https:// rather than http:// in the address). Many of the sites on this web site do not offer such security.
  • If you are concerned about anonymity, create and send a PDF document (.PDF) rather than a Microsoft Word file (.DOC) that you have edited. Word documents may include your name or the name of your computer. See Word file redaction for further information.
  • If you wish to report anonymously then create an anonymous email account using https:// instead of http:// for accessing the account.
  • Use a computer that you are not associated with if your submission could result in the examination of your computer by people seeking the source. Any computer will keep a record of what websites are visited and what files are uploaded. Even if this information is deleted a skilled technician may be able to retrieve it.
  • You can also use an anonymous proxy server such as http://www.proxyblind.org/ if you are particularly concerned, but remember that traffic from your PC to the proxy server may be monitored.

Don't

  • Make telephone calls from your work place, as organisations can easily trace telephone numbers.
  • Use an anonymous computer (e.g., internet cafe, library) for an additional purpose that might identify you such as checking your email and make sure you clear your history. Be wary if records are kept of who was using the computer.
  • Use your own computer or someone else's computer if that could result in problems for them.

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