On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) assessed the level of corruption in the internal affairs system in 2023.
Thus, in comparison to the previous years, the corruption temptation among the MIA system staff is lower, partly due to the proactive activities organized in the internal affairs system to raise awareness about the seriousness of corrupt practices and their consequences.
Since the beginning of 2023, SPIA of the MAI, either independently or in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, has directly investigated 49 criminal cases involving corruption, compared to 86 cases investigated during the same period last year.
Out of the total number of criminal cases investigated by SPIA, 42 are in the prosecution stage, 5 cases have been sent to court, and one criminal case has been dropped. One criminal case has been terminated with a misdemeanor charge.
2023 has been an important year for MIA’s efforts to fight corruption, as many of its staff voluntarily have reported attempts of corruption in relation to them. While only 71 cases of active corruption were reported last year, this year 148 system employees reported attempts of corruption. “These data are encouraging and indicating the system’s return to normality and the strengthening of staff resilience against the scourge of corruption. We support and actively participate in all national anti-corruption programs. MIA declares zero tolerance to corruption, and our staff become increasingly aware that corruption jeopardizes our future!”, stated the Minister of Internal Affairs, Adrian Efros, in the context of the celebration of the International Anti-Corruption Day.
Reports by SPIA show that staff most exposed to corruption are around 30 years old, with work experience in the system ranging from 5 to 10 years. Most of them are married with family responsibilities, often compelled to take loans for various needs, particularly housing. Their poor financial status causes a higher vulnerability to bribery temptations and potential acts of corruption. Thus, the determinant that contributes to reduced resilience to corruption is the salary in the internal affairs system, which is the lowest among national security and law enforcement institutions.
According to the draft State Budget Law, the salary reference value is expected to increase in 2024 as follows:
- For officers, the average salary will increase from 12,084.5 MDL to 13,352.4 MDL gross, with an average increase of around 1,267.9 MDL compared to 2023;
- For non-commissioned officers, the salary will vary on average between 8,858 MDL and 11,549 MDL gross, with an average increase of 962 MDL and 1,313 MDL, accordingly.
The average salary in the internal affairs system in 2024 will range between 7,795.0 MDL and 10,202.7 MDL. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will continue its efforts to make sure that the salaries of MIA employees are on par with the national security system.
