When integrity takes too long: the hidden cost of delayed corruption investigations

In Australia, the fight against corruption is a constant battle. While numerous agencies are dedicated to uncovering corruption in both the public and private sectors, the processes often take much longer than necessary. As investigations stretch out, the long-term impact is felt not only by the victims of corruption but also by the integrity of our institutions. 

As corruption schemes grow increasingly sophisticated, organisations must adopt more advanced tools and methods to tackle them effectively. The good news is that technology offers a way forward. Modern technologies such as AI-driven solutions have the potential to streamline investigations and future-proof the process. 

The pressures facing Australia’s anti-corruption agencies 

Australia’s anti-corruption bodies are under immense pressure to perform their work with limited resources. The growing complexity of cases, combined with rising demands for investigations into corruption and misconduct, places a tremendous strain on these agencies. This pressure severely hampers their ability to respond swiftly and effectively. 

Research reveals that NSW’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), one of Australia’s most prominent corruption watchdogs, is struggling. The commission aims to complete 80 per cent of preliminary investigations within 120 days, but annual reports show that this number is steadily declining. Furthermore, the research found delays of up to seven years in securing convictions against wrongdoers identified by ICAC in public inquiries. 

These delays have left some investigations dragging on for nearly two decades. A stark example is Operation Tarlo, involving Eman Sharobeem, where allegations dating back to 2007 are still under review by the DPP in 2025. At the heart of the issue is the disconnect between ICAC’s investigative methods and the evidentiary standards required in court, a gap that has left cases in prolonged limbo and cast doubt on the principle of timely justice. The Australian recently highlighted this problem in detail, noting the “bleak times” faced by those waiting for criminal justice.

This ongoing pressure, especially in the face of increasingly sophisticated corruption schemes, highlights the urgent need for advanced technological tools to help these agencies streamline their investigative processes and manage their growing caseloads. 

The high price of delayed corruption investigations 

Several high-profile corruption investigations in Australia have been delayed for years, underscoring the significant costs of a slow process. 

As these cases show, corruption investigations in Australia often drag on for far too long, leaving key players unaccountable and damaging the integrity of public institutions. The delays in these investigations don’t just have tangible costs in terms of time and money—they also incur intangible costs that can be far more damaging: 

• Loss of public trust: When investigations fail to deliver timely justice, public confidence in government institutions, law enforcement, and anti-corruption bodies falters, leading to disillusionment. 

• Financial drain: The longer investigations take, the more resources are required—both in terms of manpower and costs. This is especially evident in multi-agency investigations that can stretch on for years. 

• Reputational damage: Organisations under investigation suffer significant reputational damage, even if they are eventually cleared. The mere fact of being involved in a prolonged investigation can lead to public scepticism. 

• Missed opportunities for reform: Prolonged investigations leave systemic problems unresolved for years, stalling much-needed reforms that could prevent future corruption. 

How AI and more efficient investigative methods can streamline corruption investigations 

The persistent delays in corruption cases highlight deeper issues within Australia’s investigative and legal systems: resource constraints, manual processes, and the complexity of modern investigations. Corruption inquiries often require cross-agency collaboration, the integration of vast datasets, and the painstaking task of organising digital evidence into a form that courts can actually use. 

This is where AI and structured investigative methodologies can make a critical difference. Comtrac’s Elementising Evidence™ methodology ensures that every piece of information is aligned with the legislative elements of an offence from the very beginning. Combined with AI-driven tools for document review, data extraction, and evidence analysis, investigators can accelerate case preparation and drastically reduce the risk of lengthy delays in transitioning from inquiry to prosecution. 

With the right technology, agencies can begin building the brief of evidence from day one, structuring material in a court-ready format and allowing investigators to focus on higher-level decision-making and strategy. To learn more about how early access to briefs of evidence and investigation reports can reduce court backlogs and improve prosecution outcomes, read our full article here.  

Future-proofing your agency’s investigations

For decision-makers investing in modern tech solutions is not just about future-proofing operations—it’s a crucial step toward maintaining integrity in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving world. 

As we’ve seen, corruption investigations in Australia are often delayed by resource constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the sheer scale of evidence that needs to be reviewed. These delays undermine public trust in key institutions and prolong the financial, social, and reputational damage that corruption causes. 

Is your organisation ready to meet the challenges of modern corruption investigations? 

Discover how Comtrac’s AI-powered platform can help. Our platform analyses data and exhibits related to potential offences, extracting key evidence to substantiate findings and uncover hidden connections or overlooked patterns. The ability to quickly connect evidence, assess risk, and build briefs of evidence enhances the efficacy of investigations, reducing the time it takes to go from investigation to prosecution.