Corruption is one of the dangerous manifestations of society and is recognized globally as a serious crime and one of the elements threatening national security and undermining the development and socio-economic stability of the state.**

The existence, spread, and growth of corruption weaken the foundation of statehood, diminish the prestige and reputation of the state on the international stage.

In modern times, with the development of societal relations, the increasing complexity of state structures, and cooperation between states, humanity faces new global risks such as terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and other emerging threats.

These challenges have been further exacerbated by the severe global financial crisis.

Among these risks, corruption has gained a strong foothold, with its damage being no less significant than the aforementioned threats.

Therefore, recognizing the risks of corruption and its negative consequences, the international community needed to adopt an international document addressing anti-corruption measures to comprehensively regulate state relations in the fight against corruption.

In this context, the first international legal document against corruption was adopted at the plenary session of the 58th session of the UN General Assembly on October 31, 2003. It was opened for signature on December 9, 2003, at a high-level Political Conference in Merida, Mexico, with the participation of representatives from over 100 countries.

The Convention was discussed by representatives of participating states for over three days, resulting in their support and signing of the document.

Thus, on December 14, 2005, the United Nations Convention against Corruption came into force, consisting of 8 chapters and 71 articles.

Currently, over 172 countries, parties to this Convention, have committed to implementing anti-corruption measures into their national legislation.

The Republic of Tajikistan, as a full-fledged member of the international community, signed this Convention on September 25, 2006.

On April 16, 2008, the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan approved (ratified) this Convention, which has since become an integral part of the state's legal system, and normative-legal acts in this area are developed and adopted in accordance with its provisions.

To enhance the system for combating corruption-related offenses and crimes, eliminate duplication of functions and powers of state administration bodies, ensure transparency, and strengthen oversight and auditing activities, the Agency for State Financial Control and Anti-Corruption of the Republic of Tajikistan was established by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan dated January 10, 2007, No. 143.

To regulate the activities of the Agency and the jurisdiction over corruption-related crimes, the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On the Agency for State Financial Control and Anti-Corruption of the Republic of Tajikistan” dated March 20, 2008, No. 374, and the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan dated September 7, 2007, No. 414, “Guidelines for Statistical Recording of Corruption-Related Crimes and the List of Such Crimes,” were adopted.

Subsequently, to align legislation in this direction, relevant amendments and additions were made to several existing normative-legal acts.

Additionally, short-term and medium-term state programs were adopted, including the “Strategy for Combating Corruption for 2008–2012,” under which ministries, committees, organizations, and state institutions were tasked with taking necessary measures to strengthen the process of combating corruption within their respective agencies.

Furthermore, the Decree of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan dated April 20, 2010, No. 864, “On Additional Measures to Strengthen the Fight Against Corruption in the Republic of Tajikistan,” and the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan dated September 2, 2010, No. 431, “On Approval of the Action Plan to Ensure the Implementation of Additional Measures to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Efforts in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2010–2012,” as short-term state documents in line with the Strategy and as a logical continuation of its core provisions, created a solid foundation for improving anti-corruption policy.

Following the expiration of the “Strategy for Combating Corruption for 2008–2012,” with an understanding of the need to continue the process of combating corruption and reducing its intensity in the country, the Decree of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan dated August 30, 2013, No. 1504, approved the “Strategy for Combating Corruption in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2013–2020.” This strategy is a programmatic document outlining the medium-term perspective of the national anti-corruption policy of the Republic of Tajikistan aimed at reducing the intensity and level of corruption in the country.

It is expected that by the end of the planned period of the medium-term anti-corruption program, the level of corruption in the country will decrease, conditions will be created for economic development, the advancement of democratic values, and the improvement of people’s well-being.

In recent years, in the Republic of Tajikistan, issues related to corruption as an undesirable phenomenon of modern society, which concerns the public, have evolved into a monitoring system based on the practices of state administration bodies, the generalization and analysis of the activities of law enforcement agencies, and scientific research. This system focuses on analyzing knowledge and experience in the intensive fight against corruption and preventing corruption factors.

According to the Founder of National Peace and Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, “Another problem that undermines the economic and social stability of the country and causes concern among citizens is the commission of corruption-related offenses. This is because cases of corruption crimes by individual employees of state bodies, organizations, and institutions still persist.”

The Republic of Tajikistan’s recognition of international normative documents related to corruption, their integration into the country’s legislation, and the implementation of requirements for cooperation among law enforcement agencies, including the Agency for State Financial Control and Anti-Corruption of the Republic of Tajikistan and prosecutorial bodies in the fight against corruption, have established a solid legal foundation.