# Closing the Gaps: Detecting and investigating corrupt money flows in the Middle East and North Africa URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/closing-the-gaps-middle-east-and-north-africa Type: Publication or report Published: 2026-05-13 Updated: 2026-06-25 --- 13 May 2026 Countries in the Middle East and North Africa region face a common set of structural barriers that constrain their ability to detect, investigate and recover corruption-related stolen assets. This report examines how corruption-related stolen assets are generated, concealed and moved in eight countries (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia) and identifies the legal, institutional and operational barriers that impede effective detection, investigation and recovery. It draws on case research, mutual evaluation reports from the Financial Action Task Force and country questionnaires to offer evidence-based findings and recommendations for reform. The analysis identifies several common challenges in the countries reviewed. These include under-utilised international cooperation, operational constraints on investigations, gaps in data availability and record-keeping, and persistent loopholes in high-risk areas such as real estate and cash-based financial services as well as use of proxies. Recommendations build on these findings and focus on common standards and institutional practices to strengthen detection and investigation of corrupt money flows in the countries reviewed. ### Related publications ## [Regional Assessment of Integrity in Political Finance in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/integrity-political-finance-asia) Publication • 03 September 2026 This report reviews systems across 17 countries to identify the areas of political finance most in need of reform. ## [Annual Report 2025](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/annual-report-2025) Publication • 17 July 2026 In 2025, Transparency International pursued its mission to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and across all sectors of society. ## [Whistleblowing Authorities in Europe: Roles, challenges and lessons learned](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/whistleblowing-authorities-in-europe-roles-challenges-and-lessons-learned) Publication • 19 June 2026 This report examines the institutional design, mandates and functioning of national whistleblowing authorities across Europe. ## [Strengthening Public Oversight: Good practices for partnerships between civil society and supreme audit institutions](https://www.transparency.org/en/publications/strengthening-public-oversight-good-practices-for-partnerships-between-civil-society-and-supreme-audit-institutions) Publication • 29 May 2026 Stronger collaboration between Supreme Audit Institutions and Civil Society Organisations is needed for better public financial oversight. ## Priorities - [Dirty money](https://www.transparency.org/en/our-priorities/dirty-money) ## Countries - [Algeria](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/algeria) - [Egypt](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/egypt) - [Jordan](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/jordan) - [Lebanon](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/lebanon) - [Libya](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/libya) - [Morocco](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/morocco) - [Palestine](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/palestine) - [Tunisia](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/tunisia) ## Regions - [Middle East & North Africa](https://www.transparency.org/en/region/middle-east-north-africa) ## Projects - [Transparency Now: Strengthening Anti-Corruption Efforts in the EU Southern Neighbourhood](https://www.transparency.org/en/projects/transparency-now) ![Closing the Gaps: Detecting and investigating corrupt money flows in the Middle East and North Africa](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Closing-the-Gaps-cover-page_EN.jpg?auto=compress&fit=crop&fm=webp&w=1200) [Download](https://images.transparencycdn.org/images/Report_Closing-the-gaps_2026_EN.pdf)