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INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION AGAINST CORRUPTION (B-58)

D = Declaration
RA = Ratification
AC = Acceptance
AD = Accession
R = Reservation
INFORMATION = Information required by the Treaty

*DECLARATIONS/RESERVATIONS/DENUNCIATIONS/WITHDRAWALS
TREATY REFERENCES: B-58. 

• Argentina

Pursuant to the provisions of Article XVIII of the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption, the Government of Argentina appointed the Ministery of Foreigner Affairs, to serve as the Central Authority for the Republic of Argentina. (Washington, January 4, 2000)

On July 20, 2007, Argentina appointed the Dirección de Asistencia Judicial Internacional de la Dirección General de Asuntos Jurídicos del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Internacional y Culto as central authority according to article XVIII of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

On May 23, 2008, Argentina informed the depository on the designation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Commerce and Worship / Directorate-General for Legal Affairs as the central authority.

On June 11, 2021, the General Secretariat received a Verbal Note on actions taken in accordance with article X of the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption from the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the OAS, Note No. 118.

On April 26, 2022, the General Secretariat received a Verbal Note on actions taken in accordance with article X of the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption from the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the OAS, Note No. 071.

• Belize

On July 29, 2011, Belize informed on the designation of the “Attorney General's Ministry” as the Central Authority for the purpose of the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption.

• Bolivia:

Designation of Central Authority: November 3, 2007

On November 3, 2007, Bolivia appointed the Ministerio de Transparencia Institucional y Lucha Contra la Corrupción, as central authority for the purposes of article XVIII of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

On June 15, 2011, Bolivia informed on the designation of the “Ministerio de Transparencia Institucional y Lucha contra la Corrupción” represented by Dr. Nardi Suxo Iturry as the Central Authority of the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption. .  

• Brazil:

Brazil made a reservation to Article XI, 1, c. at the time of the deposit of the instrument of ratification.

Designation of Central Authority: April 21, 2006

On April 21, 2006, Brazil designated the Ministério da Justiça de Brazil as central authority for the purposes of assistance and international cooperation pursuant to article XVIII of the Inter-American Convention against.

On August 19, 2016, Brazil informed the depository on the designation of the Department of Assets Recovery and International Legal Cooperation (DRCI) as the central authority for the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption. 

• Canada:

Statement of Understanding of Article IX, Illicit Enrichment:

Article IX provides that the obligation of a Stated Party to establish the offence of illicit enrichment shall be "Subject to its Constitution and the fundamental principles of its legal system". As the offence contemplated by Article IX would be contrary to the presumption of innocence guarenteed by Canada's Constitution, Canada will not implement Article IX, as provided for by this provision.

Designation of Central Authority:

On August 16, 2005, Canada appointed the following central authorities regarding the Inter-American Convention against Corruption:

a. For the chanelling of mutual legal assistance requests: General Counsel and Director, Department of Justice Canada, International Assistance Group, Criminal Law Branch/ Federal Prosecution Service, 284 Wellington Avenue, Room 2049, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H8, Canada.

b. For the chanelling of technical assistance requests: Vice President, Americas Branch, Canadian International Development Agency, tel. 819-997-3291, fax 819-997-0077.

• Chile:

On November 16, 2012, Chile informed on the designation of the “Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores” as the Central Authority for the purpose of the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption.

On February 2, 2018, Chile informed the depository on the designation of the Unit for International Trade and Extradition of the National Prosecutor Office of the Public Ministry (Unidad de Comercio Internacional y Extradiciones de la Fiscalía Nacional del Ministerio Público) as the central authority for the following instruments:
- The Inter -American Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters;
- The Inter-American Convention Against Corruption, and
- The Inter-American Convention Against Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Other Related Materials.

• Colombia:

Designation of Central Authorities: August 30, 2012

On August 30, 2012, Colombia reported by note MPC/OEA No.1349/2012 the appointment by the Foreign Ministry of the "Procuraduría General de la Nación" as the central authority for the purposes of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption with the other entities that have been designated in the past.

Designation of Central Authorities: May 17, 2011

On May 17, 2011, Colombia informed of the designation of the "Ministerio del Interior y de Justicia", la "Fiscalía General de la Nación" and the "Contraloría General de la República" as the Central Authorities for the purpose of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

Ministerio del Interior y de Justicia
Carrera 9 Nº 14-10
Conmutador: 57 (1) 4 44 31 00
[email protected]
[email protected]
Bogotá D.C., Colombia Fiscalía General .

Designation of Central Authority: June 21, 2006

On June 21, 2006, Costa Rica appointed the Procuradoría de la Ética Pública as the central authority foreseen in article XVIII of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption for the purposes of international assistance and cooperation of the treaty.

Designation of Central Authority: December 8, 2004

On December 3, 2004, Dominican Republic appointed the following central authorities pursuant to article 18 of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption:

1. Main Expert
Dr. Octavio Lister Henríquez, Director del Departamento de la Prevención de la Corrupción Administrativa
Tel. (809) 533-96066
Fax. (809) 533-4098
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: Hipólito Herrera Billini esq Juan B Pérez, Palacio de Justicia del Centro de los Héroes de Constanza, Maimón y Estero Hondo, 3er piso, Santo Domingo, República Dominicana.

2. Lic. Hotoniel Bonilla García Sub-Director Departamento de Prevención de la Corrupción Administrativa
Tel. (809) 533-2621
Fax. (809) 533-4098
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: Hipólito Herrera Billini esq Juan B Pérez, Palacio de Justicia del Centro de los Héroes de Constanza, Maimón y Estero Hondo, 3er piso, Santo Domingo, República Dominicana.

3. Lic. José René García Díaz Director División de Investigación, Departamento de Prevención de la Corrupción Administrativa
Tel. (809) 533-2621
Fax. (809) 533-4098
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: Hipólito Herrera Billini esq Juan B Pérez, Palacio de Justicia del Centro de los Héroes de Constanza, Maimón y Estero Hondo, 3er piso, Santo Domingo, República Dominicana.

4. Lic. Carlos E. Pimentel F Director División de Prevención, Departamento de Prevención de la Corrupción Administrativa
Tel. (809) 533-3522 ext.402
Fax. (809) 533-4098
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: Hipólito Herrera Billini esq Juan B Pérez, Palacio de Justicia del Centro de los Héroes de Constanza, Maimón y Estero Hondo, 3er piso, Santo Domingo, República Dominicana.

• Ecuador:

Reports: Pursuant to the provisions of Article XVIII of the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption, that was signed in Caracas on March 29, 1996, the National Government has appointed our Attorney General, Dr.Milton Alava Ormaza, to serve asthe Central Authority for the Republic of Ecuador, and will be responsible for drafting and receiving the requests for assistance and cooperation contemplated in that inter-American instrument. (Washington, D.C., August 14, 1997. Note 134/97 MPE/OEA)

Designation of Central Authority: February 27, 2003
Comisión de Control Cívico de la Corrupción pursuant to article 18 of the Convention

On May 26, 2009, Ecuador updated information and appointed the "Consejo de Participación Ciudadana y Control Social Transitorio" as the central authority for the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption.

On June 2, 2009, Ecuador updated the information and appointed the "Consejo de Participación Ciudadana y Control Social" as the central authority for the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption.

On August 2, 2019, Ecuador informed the depository on the designation of the Secretaría Anticorrupción de la Presidencia de la República as the central authority for the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption.

On February 4, 2020, Ecuador informed the depository on the designation of new authorities to the Secretaría Anticorrupción de la Presidencia de la República, the central authority for the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption.

On December 21, 2020, Ecuador informed the depository on the designation of the Secretaría General de la Presidencia as the central authority for the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption.

Designation of Central Authority: December 3, 2007

On December 3, 2007, El Salvador appointed the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, through the Dirección General de Asuntos Jurídicos y Derechos Humanos, as central authority for the purposes of article XVIII of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

On January 6, 2021, El Salvador informed the depository on the designation of the Unidad de Asuntos Legales Internacionales de la Fiscalía General de la República as the central authority for the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption.

On July 26, 2021, El Salvador informed the depository on the designation of the Dirección de Asuntos Internacionales as the central authority for the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption.

On February 16, 2022, the Permanent Mission of El Salvador to the OAS informed the depository on the designation of the central authority with contact information regarding the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption and the Inter-American Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.

Designation of Central Authority: February 23, 2004

On February 23, 2004, Guatemala appointed the Comisionado Nacional por la Transparencia y contra la Corrupción, Mr. Carlos Vielman, for the purposes of article XVIII of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption. E-mail: [email protected]; Telephone: (502) 239-0000 ext. 2583 y 2585.

Reservation: 02/15/01

"The Cooperative Republic of Guyana does not consider itself bound to extend the actions of seizure under Article XV of the present Convention to the extent that such actions violate the provisions of Article 142(1) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana."

04-11-2011 REMOVAL OF RESERVATION

Designation of Central Authority: June 16, 2011

On June 16, 2011, the Republic of designated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as its Central Authority, in accordance with the provisions of article XVIII of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

On July 11, 2022, the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the OAS, informed the depositary of the designation of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance as the central authority for the purpose of the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption.

On October 11, 2022, the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the OAS, informed the depositary of the designation of the central authority for the purpose of the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption.

Designation of Central Authority: August 21, 2003

Tribunal Superior de Cuentas presidido actualmente por el abogado Renán Sagastume, para formular y recibir las solicitudes de asistencia y cooperación.
Telephone: (504) 233-1669 / 5332
Fax: (504) 233-5555
Email: [email protected]

Licenciado Rigoberto Córdova Laitano, para los asuntos de comunicación y enlace
Telephone: (504) 233-1669 / 5332
Fax: (504) 233-5555 
Email: [email protected].

Designation of Central Authority: September 15, 2005

On October 26, 2005, Jamaica informed the depository of the designation of the Minister responsible for Justice, the Director of Public Prosecutions for mutual legal assistance, and the Minister of Justice and the Director of Public Prosecutions for mutual technical cooperation, as the central authorities required by article XVIII of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

Designation of Central Authority: October 25, 2004

On October 25, 2004, Mexico appointed as central authority Minister Ernesto Céspedes Oropeza, Director General para Temas Globales, Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores.
Tel. (52 55) 50 62 30 30
Fax. (52 55) 91 57 42 51
[email protected]

Lic. Sandra Elisa Hernández Ortiz, Directora General de Asuntos Jurídicos, Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores
Tel. (52 55) 91 57 21 27
Fax. (52 55) 50 63 30 28
[email protected]

Lic. Guillermo Hernández Salmerón, Director de Cooperación Internacional en la Prevención del Delito, Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores
Tel. (52 55) 50 62 30 30
Fax. (52 55) 91 57 42 51
[email protected]

and Dr. José Luis Delgado Crespo, Subdirector de Cooperación Internacional en la Lucha contra el Narcotráfico y la Corrupción, Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores
Tel. (52 55) 50 62 30 30
Fax. (52 55) 91 57 42 51
[email protected].

Designation of Central Authority: July 21, 2003

Oficina de Etica Pública de la Presidencia de la República and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Designation of Central Authority: June 19, 2007

Procuraduría General de la República for the purposes of assistance and cooperation based on article XVIII of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

• Panamá

DECLARATION: "It is the interpretation of the Republic of Panama that application of the present Convention does not alter its rights under the conventions in force in the area of asylum".

RESERVATION: "The Republic of Panama does not consider itself bound to extend the actions of seizure of forfeiture of property envisaged under Article XV of the present Convention, to the extent that such actions violate the provisions of Article 30 of the Constitution of the Republic, wich prohibits the seizure of property as a penalty". (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Panama City, July 20, 1998)

Designation of Central Authority:

On February 12, 2004, Panama designated the Sala Cuarta de Negocios Generales of the Supreme Court of Justice, chaired by Judge César Pereira Burgos, in his condition of President of the Court, as central authority for the purposes of international assistance and cooperation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

On September 9, 2021, Panama submitted to the depository up-to-date information on the central authority for the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption.

• Paraguay

Reports that it designates as the central authority responsible for making the requests for cooperation referred to in the Convention, as specified in Article XVIII, the Office of the Attorney General (Fiscalia General del Estado). (Asuncion, March 20, 1997. Note 46/97, received on April 21, 1997).

On February 12, 2013, Paraguay updated the central authority and designated the Secretaría Nacional Anticorrupción (SENAC), entity under the Presidency, as Central authority responsible for making the requests for cooperation referred by the Convention, in accordance with Article XVIII. (Asuncion, December 27, 2012. Note 52/13 received on February 12, 2013).

On March 29, 2021, Paraguay submitted to the depository up-to-date information on the central authority for the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption

Designation of Central Authority: Ministry of Justice (June 10, 2003).

Reservation: (Made at the time of the Ratification)

“In the area of extradition, in order to be fully cognizant of the extent of its obligations, the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis maintains the position as mandated by its laws that there must be specific treaty arrangements with a requesting or requested State.

The Federation is strongly of the view that this is the only real way in which it can remain fully cognizant of all its obligations on this issue. The Federation does not agree in principle with Article XIX, which as worded, seems to tread too closely to the realm of retroactivity. If it is not the intend of the Convention to affect or interfere with the principle of non-retroactivity, then the Federation does not see the utility of Article XIX and indeed is uncomfortable with the idea of providing cooperation to States parties for acts of corruption that were committed before the Convention itself was even in force.”

WILLIAM J. CLINTON

President of the United States of America

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, GREETING:

CONSIDERING THAT:

The Inter-American Convention Against Corruption ("The Convention"), was adopted and opened for signature on March 29, 1996, at the Specialized Conference of the Organization of American States (OAS) at Caracas, Venezuela, and was signed by the United States at Panama on June 27, 1996; and

The Senate of the United States of America by its resolution of July 27, 2000, two-thirds of the Senators present concurring therein, gave its advice and consent to ratification of the Convention, subject to the following understandings:

(1) APPLICATION OF ARTICLE I.--The United States of America understands that the phrase "at any level of its hierarchy" in the first and second subparagraphs of Article I of the Convention refers, in the case of the United States, to all levels of the hierarchy of the Federal Government of the United States, and that the Convention does not impose obligations with respect to the conduct of officials other than Federal officials.

(2) ARTICLE VII ("Domestic Law").--

(A) Article VII of the Convention sets forth an obligation to adopt legislative measures to establish as criminal offenses the acts of corruption described in Article VI(1). There is an extensive network of laws already in place in the United States that criminalize a wide range of corrupt acts. Although United States laws may not in all cases be defined in terms or elements identical to those used in the Convention, its is the understanding of the United States, with the caveat set forth in subparagraph

(B), that the kinds of official corruption which are intended under the Convention to be criminalized would in fact be criminal offenses under U.S. law. Accordingly, the United States does not intend to enact new legislation to implement Article VII of the Convention. (B) There is no general "attempt" statute in U.S. federal criminal law. Nevertheless, federal statutes make "attempts" criminal in connection with specific crimes. This is of particular relevance with respect to Article VI (1) (c) of the Convention, which by its literal terms would embrace a single preparatory act done with the requisite "purpose" of profiting illicitly at some future time, even though the course of conduct is neither pursued, nor in any sense consummated. The United States will not criminalize such conduct per se, although significant icts of corruption in this regard would be generally subject to prosecution in the context of one or more other crimes.

(3) TRANSNATIONAL BRIBERY.--Current United States law provides criminal sanctions for transnational bribery. Therefore,it is the understanding of the United States of America that no additional legislation is needed for the United States to comply with the obligation imposed in article VIII of the Convention.

(4) ILLICIT ENRICHMENT.-- The United States of America intends to assist and cooperate with other States Parties pursuant to paragraph 3 of Article IX of the Convention to the extent permitted by its domestic law. The United States recognizes the importance of combating improper financial gains by public officials, and has criminal statutes to deter or punish such conduct. These statutes obligate senior-level officials in the federal government to file truthful financial disclosure statements, subject to criminal penalties. They also permit prosecution of federal public officials who evade taxes on wealth that is acquired illicitly. The offense of illicit enrichment as set forth in Article IX of the Convention, however, places the burden of proof on the defendant, which is inconsistent with the United States constitution and fundamental principles of the United States legal system. Therefore, the United States uderstands that it is not obligated to establish a new criminal offense of illicit enrichment under Article IX of the Convention.

(5) EXTRADITION.-- The United States of America shall not consider this Convention as the legal basis for extradition to my country with which the United States has no bilateral ixtradition treaty in force. In such cases where the United States does have a bilateral extradition treaty in force, that bilateral extradition treaty shall serve as the legal basis for extradition for offenses that are extraditable in accordance with this Convention.

(6) PROHIBITION ON ASSISTANCE TO THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT.-- The United States of America shall exercise its rights to limit the use of assistance it provides under the convention so that any assistance provided by the Government of the United States shall not be transferred to or otherwise used to assist the International Criminal Court agreed to in Rome, Italy, 3n July 17, 1998, unless the treaty establishing the Court has entered into force for the United States by and with the advice md consent of the Senate, as required by Article II, section 2 of the United States Constitution.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United States of America, ratify and confirm the Convention, subject to the aforesaid understandings.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have signed this instrument of ratification and caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington this fifteenth day of September in the year of our Lord two thousand and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred twenty-fifth.

By the President: William J. Clinton Madeleine Albright Secretary of State _______________

Designation of Central Authority:

On June 1, 2005, the United States designated the Permanent Representative of the United States to the OAS to serve as the central authority for the purposes of channeling requests for mutual technical cooperation in accordance with the provisions of articles XIV(2) and XVIII of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

On June 14, 2005, the United States informed the depositary of the designation of the Office of International Affairs of the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice as its central authority for purposes of mutual legal assistance pursuant to article XVIII of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

Address: Office of International Affairs Criminal Division,
US Department of Justice 1301 New York Avenue, 8th floor
Washington, D.C., 20005
Telephone: 202-514-0000
Fax: 202-514-0080 

PERMANENT MISSION OF URUGUAY TO THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES

099/2001

The Permanent Mission of Uruguay presents its compliments to the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States and has the honor to refer to the Inter-American Convention against Corruption, adopted in the city of Caracas, Venezuela, on March 29, 1997.

In that regard, it is noted that:

1. On the occasion of its signing, the delegation of Uruguay made the following declaration:

"The delegation of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay declares

First: That it is joining in the consensus that was achieved with difficulty by the Specialized Conference on the Draft Inter-American Convention against Corruption, following considerable efforts made by the OAS member states, in particular by the Government of the Republic of Venezuela, through its Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Miguel Angel Burelli Rivas.

Second: That it is a matter of great concern to the Government of Uruguay that a convention like the present one that is essentially criminal in nature not include a law and order clause—a provision that essentially provides guarantees--which has been embodied in such important conventions as the 1988 United Nations convention on drug trafficking and the Inter-American Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, both of which are in force, as well as several other bilateral conventions between the OAS member states."

2. On August 12, 1997, Uruguay initiated legislative formalities in connection with the Inter-American Convention against Corruption, which became national law. Uruguay therefore enters an "express reservation to resorting to law and order when the cooperation requested specifically, seriously, and patently contravenes the rules and principles that underlie Uruguay’s distinctive legal character."

Since this reservation was not included on the occasion of notification by the competent authorities of my country, and taking into account the indivisible nature of the reservation with regard to the body of the text of the Convention when it became law in Uruguay, it is hereby requested that said reservation be duly formally included for all appropriate purposes.

The Permanent Mission of Uruguay to the Organization of American States avails itself of this opportunity to reiterate to the General Secretariat the assurances of its highest consideration.

Juan Fisher Embajador,
Representante Permanente ante la OEA
Washington, D.C., August 7, 2001

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Designation of Central Authority: December 8, 2003

On December 8, 2003, Uruguay designated the Advisory Services Central Authority for International Legal Cooperation under the Office of International Legal Cooperation and Justice of the Ministry of Education and Culture to facilitate mutual assistance, as set forth in Article XIV.1

Director: Dr. Eduardo Tellechea Bergman
Address: 18 de julio 1377 piso 1, Montevideo, Uruguay
Telephone: (598 2) 901.30.90 / 901.16.33
Fax: (598 2) 901.78.85
E-mail: [email protected]

It also designated the Advisory Board on Economic and Financial Matters of the State to facilitate mutual technical cooperation, as set forth in Article XIV.2.

Chair: Jorge A. Sambarino Carmine
Address: Rincón 528 piso 8, Montevideo, Uruguay
Telephone: (598 2) 917.04.07
Fax: (598 2) 917.04.07 erno 15
E-mail: [email protected].

On September 27, 2021, Uruguay informed the depository on the designation of the Autoridad Central de Cooperación Jurídica Internacional as the central authority for the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption.

Designation of Central Authority: February 06, 2004

On February 6, 2004, Venezuela appointed the National Ethics Council (Consejo Moral Republicano del Estado Venezolano), made up of the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, the Office of the Attorney General of the Republic, and the Office of the Ombudsman, as the central authority responsible for following up on assistance and cooperation pursuant to Article XVIII of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

On March 27 2015, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela informed on the adoption of legislation referred to transnational bribery pursuant to articles VIII, IX and X of the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption.