Laos Removes Cap on Corruption Reporting Rewards

The Lao government has approved amendments to the enforcement decree of the Act on the Prevention of Corruption during a cabinet meeting, which will remove the ceiling on rewards payable for reporting corruption. Officials stated that the change is intended to encourage corruption reporting by offering rewards commensurate with the contribution of such reports. Under the current regulation, rewards range from 4 percent to 30 percent of revenues recovered due to corruption reports. Critics have pointed out that lower rates are applied to larger amounts, and the maximum reward has been capped at 3 billion kip (approximately $370,000 USD). Under the revised rule, 30 percent of recovered revenues will serve as the basis for reward calculation, regardless of the total amount saved. However, the final reward amount may still be reduced depending on the report's contribution and accuracy, officials said. The revision is set to go into effect next Tuesday (September 29, 2026, based on the original article's date). Laos, under its one-party system, aims to foster economic development and maintain social stability. Corruption remains a significant impediment to socio-economic progress, prompting the government to enhance transparency and strengthen law enforcement. Efforts to ensure domestic economic health are particularly crucial given the country's deep economic ties with neighboring major powers like China and Vietnam.