Corruption under AI watch for first time in India: Vigilance to monitor files, investigations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) will use artificial intelligence (AI) to detect corruption faster and strengthen investigations as part of its Project Zero initiative. AI will be integrated into VACB Suite 3.0, an advanced version of the digital investigation platform developed by the Vigilance. The system will be digitally linked to all government departments and monitor file movement, among other processes. The Vigilance says this will be the first AI-based monitoring system of its kind in the country.

The system will flag delays in delivering services within the stipulated time, files being held back to seek bribes, unnecessary movement of files between multiple desks and irregularities in tenders. The information will be used to identify and catch those involved in corruption.

Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham has written to the government seeking access to the software used for file movement in various departments.

AI will also assist in corruption investigations by examining court judgments and identifying errors in investigative procedures. Officers will be able to seek AI assistance at every stage of an investigation, including the steps to be taken and the collection of evidence. The system will issue warnings when procedural errors are detected and help prepare reports for submission before courts without lapses.

VACB Suite was developed as part of Project Zero, which aims to bring corruption down to zero in Kerala. The AI system is expected to be fully operational within three months. The Vigilance also plans to increase the number of trap operations to catch corrupt officials red-handed.

AI to monitor 1,600-plus suspected corrupt officials

AI will monitor the activities of more than 1,600 officials already identified by the Vigilance as being involved in corruption. Of these, 262 have been identified as serious offenders. Most are in the Revenue, Local Self-Government and Motor Vehicles departments.

Bribe transactions are now increasingly carried out digitally through the accounts of relatives, friends and intermediaries. The Vigilance expects AI to make such transactions easier to detect.

“The use of AI technology will minimise errors as much as possible and make investigations comprehensive.”

— Manoj Abraham, Vigilance Director

In the last 100 days

• Corruption cases: 38
• Officials under investigation: 115
• Persons arrested in trap operations: 12