Vienna: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has stepped up international cooperation in tackling cross-border corruption through its participation in the seventh plenary meeting of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the meeting was held from August 25 to 28 at the Vienna International Centre in Austria. MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman highlighted that the platform enabled bilateral and multilateral discussions, the sharing of knowledge and developments, and cooperation on cross-border cases.

Abd Halim emphasized the importance of direct cooperation and the rapid, informal exchange of information between member authorities to support investigations, especially when cases involve financial transactions, assets, or individuals overseas. He noted that this was MACC's fourth participation since joining the network in May 2023, underscoring its ongoing dedication to international cooperation in cross-border corruption investigations, tracing illicit financial flows, and asset recovery.

The meeting addressed the latest developments within the GlobE Network, its 2025 activity report, and the implementation of artificial intelligence and technology in corruption investigations. Members also discussed efforts to reinforce the network's performance, financial sustainability, and strategic direction.

Abd Halim stated that 20 GlobE Network authorities, including agencies from Saudi Arabia, Chile, Ukraine, Romania, and South Africa, had signed a model agreement on information exchange. He described the agreement as a significant step towards strengthening direct and secure information-sharing mechanisms among network members.

MACC Intelligence Division Senior Director Datuk Saiful Ezral Arifin shared Malaysia's experience in handling cross-border corruption cases, including those involving offshore jurisdictions, during a panel session titled 'Following the Money: Fake Invoices and Offshore Trails' on August 26. Saiful Ezral highlighted legal and evidential challenges in obtaining information and evidence from overseas while complying with different jurisdictions' requirements.

Abd Halim also led bilateral meetings with authorities from Mauritius, the United Kingdom, China, Mongolia, Syria, Ukraine, and Kuwait to discuss ongoing cases and explore potential areas of cooperation.