In Depth: Cecilia Muller Torbrand on The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network [Podcast]

Summary: <a href="https://www.complianceandethics.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/turteltaub-adam-200x200.jpg"></a>By <a href="mailto:adam.turteltaub@corporatecompliance.org">Adam Turteltaub</a><br> <br> For organizations working to avoid corruption it can be a lonely fight. While a sales or compliance team may know that there are many others out there who would not pay a bribe, when facing a corrupt demand, they tend to be on their own.<br> <br> The maritime industry, though, has taken a major step to change the dynamic. In this extended, in-depth podcast, Cecilia Muller Torbrand, Chief Executive Officer at <a href="https://macn.dk/">Maritime Anti-Corruption Network</a> (<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/maritime-acn/?viewAsMember=true">MACN</a>), explains how they pursued a collective action approach that now includes about 200 companies.<br> <br> The maritime industry is very exposed to corruption risk. A given ship can touch many jurisdictions over a short period of time. Captains are often very far from their headquarters and encounter multiple government touch points when approaching a port.<br> <br> The corruption they face varies dramatically, but it is frequently manifested with requests for facilitation payments: some token of appreciation. The challenge is a legal one since facilitation payments are prohibited under the UK Bribery Act. It is also a practical one, when the appreciation turns into a demand and expectation. When a captain turns down the request, it can lead to a host of problems, ranging from confiscated passports to endless, time consuming inspections.<br> <br> To help fight this problem MACN began about 10 years ago with just 8-10 companies. It has since grown to around 200. The companies recognized they could not fight the problem alone and had to work together.<br> <br> Success has been driven by a focus on solutions rather than finger pointing. They also, when possible, seek to bring in the local government. Armed with a database of over 50,000 incidents of corrupt demands they are able to use data, rather than anecdotes, to advocate for change and demonstrate how systemic the issue is.<br> <br> The results have been substantial, and over time the MACN logo on a ship has come to mean a great deal in countries where they are active. It actively helps dissuade bribe seeking.<br> <br> MACN has also created a Global Port Integrity Program (GPIP). It leverages the data collected on corruption incidents to provide members with a port-by-port look at corruption risk, enabling better preparation.<br> <br> Secondly GPIP has enabled them to provide a level of transparency not before seen that can help ports understand how they need to improve.<br> <br> All these efforts have led to remarkable results with measured improvements on the ground.<br> <br> Listen in to learn more about what MACN has done, and, perhaps, use it as a model for your industry.