Integrity Vice Presidency (INT)

The Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) is the World Bank Group's dedicated investigative unit responsible for detecting, investigating, and deterring fraud, corruption, collusion, coercion, and obstruction in World Bank-financed projects and in the Bank's own internal operations. It functions independently from the operational lending departments and reports directly to the President and the Board of Directors.

What is the Integrity Vice Presidency (INT)?

INT was established in its current form in 2001 following high-profile procurement fraud cases, and its role has expanded significantly since then. Its investigators work across more than 100 countries to respond to allegations received through INT's confidential hotline, referrals from task teams, information from auditors, and self-reports under the voluntary-disclosure-program. When INT finds sufficient credible evidence of sanctionable practices, it prepares a Statement of Accusations and Evidence and refers the case to the sanctions process that culminates at the sanctions-board.

INT's work covers the full definition of fraud-and-corruption as defined by the World Bank, including corrupt practices, fraudulent practices, collusive practices, coercive practices, and obstructive practices. It also investigates staff misconduct and internal fraud. INT publishes an annual report summarising investigations, debarments, and recoveries, which provides suppliers with insight into the types of schemes most commonly detected in World Bank-financed procurement.

Why the Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) matters for bidders

INT's existence creates a meaningful deterrent against improper conduct in World Bank procurement. For legitimate suppliers, INT is a resource: if you encounter solicitation fraud, bid rigging, bribery demands, or other irregularities during a World Bank-financed procurement, you can report them confidentially to INT through the fraud and corruption hotline. INT also publishes guidance on recognising red flags of corrupt schemes, which helps suppliers protect themselves from being drawn into arrangements that could result in sanctions.

FAQ

Is INT the same as the World Bank's audit function?

No. The Internal Audit Vice Presidency audits the Bank's own systems and processes. INT investigates allegations of external fraud and corruption in financed projects and internal staff misconduct.

Can a supplier report a concern to INT anonymously?

Yes. INT operates a confidential reporting mechanism and accepts anonymous reports. Confidentiality of the source is protected, though anonymous reports may be harder to investigate if insufficient detail is provided.

What happens after INT refers a case to sanctions?

The accused party receives the Statement of Accusations and Evidence and has the right to respond. The case proceeds through the two-level sanctions process, first to the Evaluation and Suspension Officer and then, if appealed, to the sanctions-board for a final determination.