In an effort to fight government corruption, Qatar has set up a watchdog agency to track ministries and to probe claims of abuses of power or funds.

It is unclear as to what kind of power the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority wields, but its mandate entails probing the misuse of public funds and investigating complaints against government officials.

Arabian Business reports:

The agency may also have access to banking details, in cases that allege money laundering activities.

Gulf countries have stepped up efforts to fight government corruption in the wake of widespread political tensions across the Arab world. The misuse of power and funding has been seen as a key trigger behind the protests that toppled rulers in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya…

Neighbouring Gulf state Kuwait saw the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al Mohammed Al Sabah and his cabinet on Monday, amid allegations of corruption.

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