UN corruption cops commence probe into domain-name and patent body WIPO

Watching the detectives

Vienna-based OIOS investigators have now started the process of interviewing witnesses and whistleblowers. But insiders at WIPO told The Register this week that there is suspicion that the OIOS cannot offer a truly independent view, or even protect those handing it evidence.

Although WIPO staff welcomed any investigation into the bizarre behaviour of their boss, one insider told The Reg this week there were serious doubts over OIOS's ability to conduct an independent investigation.

When former OIOS boss Inga-Britt Ahlenius quit in 2010, she accused UN general-secretary Ban Ki-moon of overseeing a decline in transparency and undermining OIOS investigations. The UN stands accused of attacking whistleblowers who allege corruption, sexual abuse or other scandals rather than investigating the claims they make.

For instance, allegations of sexual abuse by UN peacekeepers in Haiti, Chad, Kosovo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and elsewhere date back more than ten years. But when aid worker Anders Kompass leaked an ignored report into abuses in the Central African Republic earlier this year, he was suspended.

Our source said of the WIPO probe: “This is OIOS's big chance to redeem itself and regain some of the reputation it lost over Ahlenius. It could show the world that the UN and its agencies are not as corrupt from top to bottom as some are suggesting – but personally, I won't be holding my breath.”

WIPO's previous close relationship with FIFA is also coming into focus as investigations continue into bribery, money laundering and racketeering at football's governing body.

FIFA worked closely with WIPO to help protect its trademarks and marketing licensing around previous football tournaments. These discussions led FIFA to demand special protection for related trademarks from countries hosting its competitions.

The two bodies demanded that Brazil should pass a "World Cup Law" to extend protection of its trademarks, particularly in defined areas around stadiums to defend against "ambush marketing". The agreement also suspended existing Brazilian media law or regulation for the duration of the competition if it conflicted with FIFA's exploitation of broadcasting or marketing rights.

The practice proved more controversial in South Africa when it led to the arrest of female Dutch fans for wearing orange dresses provided by a brewery. FIFA also successfully sued a bar in South Africa which painted "World Cup 2010" on its roof and displayed flags of competing countries.

Organisations around the world, including Interpol and the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, have suspended financial relationships and ended agreements with FIFA while the US investigation into the football body continues.

Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock said the policing agency was suspending its partnership with FIFA “in light of the current context surrounding FIFA”.

The Nobel Peace Centre, which received an €800,000 donation from FIFA, said it was ending its partnership with FIFA “as soon as circumstances allow”.

WIPO has not made any such move. ®