As part of the EPAC/EACN work programme for 2024–2025, on April 16, 2025, EPAC/EACN hosted its first thematic webinar of the year under the title “Future for Integrity: Best Practice and Modern Tools for Anti-Corruption.” This virtual event gathered leading experts from Lithuania, Poland, and Italy to share the best practices, their applications and future perspectives on the evolving landscape of anti-corruption tools and strategies.
The webinar garnered significant attention from the EPAC/EACN community, with 130 participants tuning in from 27 different countries. The featured speakers offered diverse insights drawn from operational experience, technological development and policy implementation. The webinar was moderated by Darius Mickevičius, Head of the EPAC/EACN Secretariat and head of the International Cooperation Division of the Special Investigation Service (STT) of the Republic of Lithuania.
Data-Driven Investigations in Practice
Mr Tomas Verpečinskas, Head of the Tactical Analysis Division at the Special Investigation Service (STT) of the Republic of Lithuania, presented the topic “Data-Driven Approach in Corruption Investigation.” Through practical examples, Mr. Verpečinskas demonstrated how the STT utilizes analytical anti-corruption intelligence (AACI) to identify and neutralize corruption risks and to support criminal investigations.
His presentation covered a full spectrum of tools and analysis techniques including financial flow analysis, open-source intelligence, and relationship mapping — all enhanced by AI-assisted techniques. The case study illustrated how combining data sources and investigative techniques helped uncover possible corruption activities. Mr. Verpečinskas highlighted how analytics could contribute to the success of the investigations.
Artificial Intelligence in Corruption Reporting
Mr Jacek Sokołowski from the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) of Poland shared an in-depth look at the technological evolution of the ETNA system. His presentation, “The Technological Side of the ETNA System – The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Handling Corruption Reports,” focused on how the integration of the system with Large Language Models (LLM) and other AI tools supports CBA operations.
Mr. Sokołowski discussed the current and future developments of the ETNA platform, which processes and categorizes citizen reports with increasing sophistication. The use of AI not only improves efficiency, but also enhances accuracy in assessing corruption risks and directing investigative resources.
The ETNA system is an advanced digital platform developed for the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) of Poland to efficiently manage and process reports of corruption. It streamlines the intake, categorization, and initial assessment of citizen-submitted information regarding suspected corruption or ethical misconduct involving public officials.
A key innovation in the ETNA system is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which already enabled, among others things, to:
- Digitalization of corruption reports content whose format does not allow for digitalization using traditional IT tools,
- Automated text analysis of incoming reports to support officers in their processes.
Moreover, The Bureau's specialists are continuing to work on the use of AI, including:
- Prioritization and classification of cases based on risk level or urgency,
- Supporting decision-making by identifying links between reported cases and known corruption schemes or individuals under investigation.
Measuring and Mapping Corruption Risks
Representing the Italian National Anti-Corruption Authority (ANAC), Mr Giuseppe Abbatino delivered a presentation titled “Corruption Risk Measurement and Corruption Risk Analysis at National and Local Level.” Mr. Abbatino outlined Italy’s comprehensive prevention system established by Law No. 190/2012 and reinforced through legislation and institutional synergies.
He detailed ANAC’s innovative approach to corruption risk measurement, which integrates open data, dashboards and multi-source indicators to provide actionable intelligence at the national, province and municipal levels. The system incorporates 17 public procurement risk indicators and48 context risk indicators at national and province level, and 5 indicators at city level, accessible through ANAC’s public portal. Mr. Abbatino emphasized the need for not just technological advancement, but also for public participation and a cultural shift towards integrity. This “open approach” – combining open data, open software, and open knowledge – was framed as a replicable model for other jurisdictions.
ANAC’S corruption risk mapping and measurement perspective was included in the EPAC/EACN e-publication “Best Anti-Corruption Practices and Approaches in Europe”.
As part of its ongoing commitment to collaboration and knowledge exchange, EPAC/EACN will continue to host webinars that engage its international network and support the development of effective oversight and anti-corruption measures. Stay tuned for upcoming events and follow EPAC/EACN for more updates!
Funded by the European Union’s Internal Security Fund-Police