According to a report by anti-corruption campaigners Transparency International published on Tuesday (February 7), at least 52,000 properties in the United Kingdom are owned by anonymous investors including some “close to the Kremlin”. This comes despite the British government’s crackdown last year on Russian money which came from shell companies, tax havens, and opaque ownership structures, which were a part of the broader economic sanctions which were imposed on Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

The report shows that the total value of all properties put together is more than $8 billion which also includes luxury real estate in London. Additionally, they are also purchased with “suspect funds” via “secretive offshore companies”, the report by Transparency International UK claims. More than 18,000 offshore companies together hold almost 52,000 properties in England and Wales.&nbsp;

It added, that these companies have either “ignored the law altogether or submitted information which makes it impossible for the public to find out who owns them. This includes firms reportedly owned by kleptocrats, oligarchs and individuals subject to sanctions”. Additionally, the report also alleges that more than a fifth of the aforementioned total amount invested into the properties were “suspect funds” from Russia from those who are sanctioned and “close to the Kremlin”.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the British government in August launched the “Register of Overseas Entities” (ROE) which requires foreign companies to declare the ultimate beneficiary of any property owned in the UK. The findings of the report anti-corruption campaigners published are partly based on an analysis of the ROE database which comprises details of the real owners of offshore firms that hold UK property. They also noted that at least half of the 32,440 companies required to declare their ownership have failed to do so.&nbsp;

Another loophole that the report noted was how such companies file information which claims to have no beneficial owners which at least 12 per cent of the firms in question have done, “an issue we previously identified as a potential loophole that would allow offshore companies to sidestep the rules,” said the UK-based organisation.

“Transparency over who really owns property here is vital to addressing Britain's role as a global hub for dirty money,” said Duncan Hames, the group’s policy director, as per AFP. He added, “Our analysis reveals there are far too many companies that could be trying to skirt the rules, not knowing they exist, or ignoring them altogether.” Therefore, Transparency International also called for more government action to “to close loopholes in the law” and active enforcement of reform aimed at providing fewer places for corrupt wealth to hide.&nbsp; 
 
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According to a report by anti-corruption campaigners Transparency International published on Tuesday (February 7), at least 52,000 properties in the United Kingdom are owned by anonymous investors including some “close to the Kremlin”.

According to a report by anti-corruption campaigners Transparency International published on Tuesday (February 7), at least 52,000 properties in the United Kingdom are owned by anonymous investors including some “close to the Kremlin”. This comes despite the British government’s crackdown last year on Russian money which came from shell companies, tax havens, and opaque ownership structures, which were a part of the broader economic sanctions which were imposed on Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine. The report shows that the total value of all properties put together is more than $8 billion which also includes luxury real estate in London. Additionally, they are also purchased with “suspect funds” via “secretive offshore companies”, the report by Transparency International UK claims. More than 18,000 offshore companies together hold almost 52,000 properties in England and Wales. It added, that these companies have either “ignored the law altogether or submitted information which makes it impossible for the public to find out who owns them. This includes firms reportedly owned by kleptocrats, oligarchs and individuals subject to sanctions”. Additionally, the report also alleges that more than a fifth of the aforementioned total amount invested into the properties were “suspect funds” from Russia from those who are sanctioned and “close to the Kremlin”. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the British government in August launched the “Register of Overseas Entities” (ROE) which requires foreign companies to declare the ultimate beneficiary of any property owned in the UK. The findings of the report anti-corruption campaigners published are partly based on an analysis of the ROE database which comprises details of the real owners of offshore firms that hold UK property. They also noted that at least half of the 32,440 companies required to declare their ownership have failed to do so. Another loophole that the report noted was how such companies file information which claims to have no beneficial owners which at least 12 per cent of the firms in question have done, “an issue we previously identified as a potential loophole that would allow offshore companies to sidestep the rules,” said the UK-based organisation. “Transparency over who really owns property here is vital to addressing Britain's role as a global hub for dirty money,” said Duncan Hames, the group’s policy director, as per AFP. He added, “Our analysis reveals there are far too many companies that could be trying to skirt the rules, not knowing they exist, or ignoring them altogether.” Therefore, Transparency International also called for more government action to “to close loopholes in the law” and active enforcement of reform aimed at providing fewer places for corrupt wealth to hide. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Over 50,000 properties in UK owned by anonymous investors, some with Kremlin ties: Report

A new report has revealed that 86 per cent of the countries are slacking in the global fight against corruption amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The report, which is part of Transparency International’s annual corruption ranking, shows that nations are using the pandemic as an excuse to violate human rights.

Transparency International noted that Uruguay, with the highest score in Latin America, invests heavily in health care, which has helped its response to COVID-19, while low-ranked Bangladesh has seen corruption flourish during the pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-chancellor-kurz-steps-down-over-corruption-allegations-419525">Also read |&nbsp;Austrian Chancellor Kurz steps down over corruption allegations</a>

It also said that countries with more corruption had shown the worst record on the rule of law during the crisis, including the Philippines, where it said the response to COVID-19 had brought major attacks on human rights and media freedom.

“The Philippines has continued its fall beginning in 2014 to a score of 33, as President Rodrigo Duterte has cracked down on freedoms of association and expression since his election in 2016,” said Transparency International.

“It also has an exceptionally high murder rate of human rights defenders, with 20 killed in 2020.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/covid-corruption-and-scandals-that-rocked-the-world-395815">Also read |&nbsp;Covid corruption and scandals that rocked the world</a>

The group said that 26 countries had significantly improved their scores since 2012, including Ecuador, Greece, Guyana, Myanmar and South Korea.

Delia Ferreira Rubio, who chairs the global civil society group, said the COVID-19 pandemic was also a corruption crisis.

“The past year has tested governments like no other in memory, and those with higher levels of corruption have been less able to meet the challenge,” she said in a statement.

The corruption perceptions index (CPI) was launched in 1995. It's data is collected from the &nbsp;World Bank, the World Economic Forum and 13 other sources.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new report has revealed that 86 per cent of the countries are slacking in the global fight against corruption amid the coronavirus pandemic. The report, which is part of Transparency International’s annual corruption ranking, shows that nations are using the pandemic as an excuse to violate human rights.

A new report has revealed that 86 per cent of the countries are slacking in the global fight against corruption amid the coronavirus pandemic. The report, which is part of Transparency International’s annual corruption ranking, shows that nations are using the pandemic as an excuse to violate human rights. Transparency International noted that Uruguay, with the highest score in Latin America, invests heavily in health care, which has helped its response to COVID-19, while low-ranked Bangladesh has seen corruption flourish during the pandemic. Also read | Austrian Chancellor Kurz steps down over corruption allegations It also said that countries with more corruption had shown the worst record on the rule of law during the crisis, including the Philippines, where it said the response to COVID-19 had brought major attacks on human rights and media freedom. “The Philippines has continued its fall beginning in 2014 to a score of 33, as President Rodrigo Duterte has cracked down on freedoms of association and expression since his election in 2016,” said Transparency International. “It also has an exceptionally high murder rate of human rights defenders, with 20 killed in 2020.” Also read | Covid corruption and scandals that rocked the world The group said that 26 countries had significantly improved their scores since 2012, including Ecuador, Greece, Guyana, Myanmar and South Korea. Delia Ferreira Rubio, who chairs the global civil society group, said the COVID-19 pandemic was also a corruption crisis. “The past year has tested governments like no other in memory, and those with higher levels of corruption have been less able to meet the challenge,” she said in a statement. The corruption perceptions index (CPI) was launched in 1995. It's data is collected from the World Bank, the World Economic Forum and 13 other sources. (With inputs from agencies)

86% countries slacking in global fight against corruption amid pandemic: Report

According to &nbsp;Transparency International's latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI 2021), Pakistan slipped 16 places to 140 in the list of 180 countries.

The agency lists countries across the world on the "perceived levels of public sector corruption". On a scale of 0 to 100, it regards 0 as "highly corrupt" and 100 as "very clean".

Pakistan scored 28/100 to rank 140 in the list while tieing level with Myanmar. Denmark, Finland and New Zealand were ranked the least corrupt scoring 88 finishing on top followed closely by Norway, Singapore and Sweden who scored 85 points.

This is Pakistan's&nbsp;worst drop in these rankings since 2010. In 2010, Pakistan had registered its worst performance and was relegated to 146th rank.

Berlin-nase Transparency International said that corruption in Pakistan has increased in spite of Pakistani watchdog's claim that it had collected 800 billion Pakistani rupees.

This slump in rankings reflects badly on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who had vowed to carve a 'Naya' (new) Pakistan when he took office in 2018. At that time Pakistan's scored 33 out of 100 (compared to 28 out of 100 now). The score fell to 32 in 2019, 31 in 2020.

Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany finished in the top-10 list of "clean" countries followed closely by the UK ranked 11th(score:78) and&nbsp;Hong Kong(score: 76) ranked 12.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-president-suspends-prime-minister-over-corruption-charges-440324">Also Read |&nbsp;Somalia: President 'suspends' prime minister over corruption charges</a>

The report&nbsp;noted that "as corruption efforts stagnate worldwide, human rights and democracy are also under assault" while asserting that the COVID-19 pandemic "is being used in many countries as an excuse to curtail basic freedoms".

The agency said 131 countries have made "no significant progress" against corruption in the last decade and "two-thirds of countries have scored below 50 "indicating that they have serious corruption problems".

The United States was ranked 27th with a score of 67. India was ranked 85th in the list scoring 40 points with no change in its ranking from the previous year. The Maldives too was ranked 85th on the list.

India's neighbour Bangladesh was ranked 147 with 26 points and Sri Lanka was ranked 102 as it scored&nbsp;37 points.

Afghanistan was ranked as one of the most corrupt finishing 174th in the list with a score of 16 along with North Korea and Yemen. Somalia and Syria were ranked at the bottom finishing 178 in the 180-nation list with South Sudan finishing last at 180 scoring 11 points.

Iran, Tajikistan and Guatemala finished 150th in the corruption index.

To come up with Corruption Perception Index (CPI), following manifestations of corruption in public sector are taken into consideration

<ul>
	<li>Bribery</li>
	<li>Diversion of public funds</li>
	<li>Officials using their public office for private gain without facing consequences</li>
	<li>Ability of governments to contain corruption in the public sector</li>
	<li>Excessive red tape in the public sector which may increase opportunities for corruption</li>
	<li>Nepotistic appointments in the civil service</li>
	<li>Laws ensuring that public officials must disclose their finances and potential conflicts of interest</li>
	<li>Legal protection for people who report cases of bribery and corruption</li>
	<li>State capture by narrow vested interests</li>
	<li>Access to information on public affairs/government activities</li>
</ul>

Imran used CPI data to slam previous governments

Something that Imran Khan used in past to&nbsp;target previous governments in Pakistan has come back to bite him. He has been using this data since 2004.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to Transparency International's latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI 2021), Pakistan slipped 16 places to 140 in the list of 180 countries. The agency lists countries across the world on the "perceived levels of public sector corruption".

According to Transparency International's latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI 2021), Pakistan slipped 16 places to 140 in the list of 180 countries. The agency lists countries across the world on the "perceived levels of public sector corruption". On a scale of 0 to 100, it regards 0 as "highly corrupt" and 100 as "very clean". Pakistan scored 28/100 to rank 140 in the list while tieing level with Myanmar. Denmark, Finland and New Zealand were ranked the least corrupt scoring 88 finishing on top followed closely by Norway, Singapore and Sweden who scored 85 points. This is Pakistan's worst drop in these rankings since 2010. In 2010, Pakistan had registered its worst performance and was relegated to 146th rank. Berlin-nase Transparency International said that corruption in Pakistan has increased in spite of Pakistani watchdog's claim that it had collected 800 billion Pakistani rupees. This slump in rankings reflects badly on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who had vowed to carve a 'Naya' (new) Pakistan when he took office in 2018. At that time Pakistan's scored 33 out of 100 (compared to 28 out of 100 now). The score fell to 32 in 2019, 31 in 2020. Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany finished in the top-10 list of "clean" countries followed closely by the UK ranked 11th(score:78) and Hong Kong(score: 76) ranked 12. Also Read | Somalia: President 'suspends' prime minister over corruption charges The report noted that "as corruption efforts stagnate worldwide, human rights and democracy are also under assault" while asserting that the COVID-19 pandemic "is being used in many countries as an excuse to curtail basic freedoms". The agency said 131 countries have made "no significant progress" against corruption in the last decade and "two-thirds of countries have scored below 50 "indicating that they have serious corruption problems". The United States was ranked 27th with a score of 67. India was ranked 85th in the list scoring 40 points with no change in its ranking from the previous year. The Maldives too was ranked 85th on the list. India's neighbour Bangladesh was ranked 147 with 26 points and Sri Lanka was ranked 102 as it scored 37 points. Afghanistan was ranked as one of the most corrupt finishing 174th in the list with a score of 16 along with North Korea and Yemen. Somalia and Syria were ranked at the bottom finishing 178 in the 180-nation list with South Sudan finishing last at 180 scoring 11 points. Iran, Tajikistan and Guatemala finished 150th in the corruption index. To come up with Corruption Perception Index (CPI), following manifestations of corruption in public sector are taken into consideration Bribery Diversion of public funds Officials using their public office for private gain without facing consequences Ability of governments to contain corruption in the public sector Excessive red tape in the public sector which may increase opportunities for corruption Nepotistic appointments in the civil service Laws ensuring that public officials must disclose their finances and potential conflicts of interest Legal protection for people who report cases of bribery and corruption State capture by narrow vested interests Access to information on public affairs/government activities Imran used CPI data to slam previous governments Something that Imran Khan used in past to target previous governments in Pakistan has come back to bite him. He has been using this data since 2004. (With inputs from Agencies)

Pakistan slips to 140 in corruption index; find out about India, US & others

India has been ranked 81st in the global corruption perception index for 2017, released by Transparency International, which named the country among the &quot;worst offenders&quot; in terms of graft and press freedom in the Asia Pacific region.

The index, which ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, placed India at the 81st place. In the 2016 India was in the 79th place among 176 countries.

The index uses a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean.

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India&#39;s score in the latest ranking, however, remained unchanged at 40. In 2015, the score was 38.

Transparency International further said, &quot;in some countries across the region (Asia Pacific), journalists, activists, opposition leaders and even staff of law enforcement or watchdog agencies are threatened, and in the worst cases, even murdered&quot;.

&quot;Philippines, India and the Maldives are among the worst regional offenders in this respect. These countries score high for corruption and have fewer press freedoms and higher numbers of journalist deaths,&quot; it added.

In the last six years, 15 journalists working on corruption stories in these countries were murdered, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

In the latest ranking New Zealand and Denmark were placed the highest, with scores of 89 and 88, respectively. On the other hand Syria, South Sudan and Somalia were ranked lowest with scores of 14, 12 and 9, respectively.

Meanwhile, China with a score of 41 was ranked 77th on the list, while Brazil was placed at 96th with a score of 37 and Russia was at the 135th place with a score of 29.

Further analysis of the results indicates that countries with the least protection for press and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also tend to have the worst rates of corruption.

The analysis, which incorporates data from CPJ, showed that in the last six years, 9 out of 10 journalists were killed in countries that score 45 or less on the index.

&quot;No activist or reporter should have to fear for their lives when speaking out against corruption. Given current crackdowns on both civil society and the media worldwide, we need to do more to protect those who speak up,&quot; Transparency International Managing Director Patricia Moreira said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The index was released by Transparency International, which named the country among the 'worst offenders' in terms of graft and press freedom in the Asia Pacific region

India has been ranked 81st in the global corruption perception index for 2017, released by Transparency International, which named the country among the "worst offenders" in terms of graft and press freedom in the Asia Pacific region. The index, which ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, placed India at the 81st place. In the 2016 India was in the 79th place among 176 countries. The index uses a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean. The index ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption × India's score in the latest ranking, however, remained unchanged at 40. In 2015, the score was 38. Transparency International further said, "in some countries across the region (Asia Pacific), journalists, activists, opposition leaders and even staff of law enforcement or watchdog agencies are threatened, and in the worst cases, even murdered". "Philippines, India and the Maldives are among the worst regional offenders in this respect. These countries score high for corruption and have fewer press freedoms and higher numbers of journalist deaths," it added. In the last six years, 15 journalists working on corruption stories in these countries were murdered, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). In the latest ranking New Zealand and Denmark were placed the highest, with scores of 89 and 88, respectively. On the other hand Syria, South Sudan and Somalia were ranked lowest with scores of 14, 12 and 9, respectively. Meanwhile, China with a score of 41 was ranked 77th on the list, while Brazil was placed at 96th with a score of 37 and Russia was at the 135th place with a score of 29. Further analysis of the results indicates that countries with the least protection for press and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also tend to have the worst rates of corruption. The analysis, which incorporates data from CPJ, showed that in the last six years, 9 out of 10 journalists were killed in countries that score 45 or less on the index. "No activist or reporter should have to fear for their lives when speaking out against corruption. Given current crackdowns on both civil society and the media worldwide, we need to do more to protect those who speak up," Transparency International Managing Director Patricia Moreira said.

Global corruption perception index: India falls two places, now at 81st spot