essay on corruption of government

Corruption is a Global Problem for Development. To Fight It, We All Have a Role to Play

Oped published in French in La Tribune Afrique, June 13, 2023.

Oped by Ousmane Diagana, World Bank Vice President for Western and Central Africa and Mouhamadou Diagne, World Bank Vice President for Integrity.

Every day, we hear about the onslaught of crises facing the world—from climate change to conflict, inflation and debt, and the ongoing recovery from a years-long pandemic. Add to them the prospect of slow economic growth , and our efforts to overcome these challenges seem rife with obstacles. For developing countries, many with limited and already stretched resources, the confluence of crises will be especially difficult to navigate.

But if we are to achieve success over the challenges of our time, there is one scourge we cannot fail to confront: corruption.

The unfortunate truth is that corruption persists in all countries. It manifests in many ways—from petty bribes and kickbacks to grand theft of public resources. With advances in technology, corruption has increasingly become a transnational challenge without respect for borders, as money can now move more easily in and out of countries to hide illicit gains.

Corruption is also a fundamental problem for development.

Corruption harms the poor and vulnerable the most, increasing costs and reducing access to basic services, such as health, education, social programs, and even justice. It exacerbates inequality and reduces private sector investment to the detriment of markets, job opportunities, and economies. Corruption can also undermine a country’s response to emergencies, leading to unnecessary suffering and, at worst, death. Over time, corruption can undermine the trust and confidence that citizens have for their leaders and institutions, creating social friction and in some contexts increasing the risk of fragility, conflict, and violence.

To prevent these negative impacts, we must confront corruption with determined and deliberate action. For the World Bank Group, fighting corruption in development has been a long-standing commitment in our operational work. This commitment is reflected in our support for countries in building transparent, inclusive, and accountable institutions , but also through initiatives that go beyond developing countries to also include financial centers, take on the politics of corruption more openly than before, and harness new technologies to understand, address, and prevent corruption.

Indeed, across western and central Africa in particular, it is one of the World Bank Group’s strategic priorities to emphasize issues of good governance, accountability, and transparency among our partner countries, with the aim of reducing corruption. We recognize that transparency in public affairs and the accountability of high-level officials are fundamental to the trust of citizens in their government and the effective delivery of public services. Working to rebuild and bolster trust between citizens and the state is critical today, especially in countries affected by fragility, conflict and violence that make up half of the countries in this region alone.

Across Africa, World Bank Group support is helping countries face these challenges. Recent investments in the Republic of Congo , Ghana , and Morocco , for example, will support institutional governance reforms to improve the performance and transparency of service delivery. In Kenya, our support will further fiscal management reforms for greater transparency in public procurement , thereby reducing opportunities for corruption. Strengthening citizen-state engagement is key: In Burkina Faso, for example, a World Bank-funded project helped the national government improve citizen engagement and public sector accountability through the development of a digital tool to monitor the performance of municipal service delivery.

The World Bank Group’s commitment to fighting corruption is also reflected in robust mechanisms across the institution that enhance the integrity of our operations. Our independent Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) works to detect, deter, and prevent fraud and corruption involving World Bank Group funds. Over two decades of INT’s work, the World Bank has sanctioned more than 1,100 firms and individuals, often imposing debarments that make them ineligible to participate in the projects and operations we finance. In addition, we have enforced more than 640 cross-debarments from other multilateral development banks, standing with our MDB partners to help keep corruption out of development projects everywhere. Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant to the risks of fraud and corruption that remain.

The World Bank Group also leverages its position as global convener to support anticorruption actors at all levels and from around the world. That is why we are pleased to have organized the next edition of the World Bank Group’s International Corruption Hunters Alliance (ICHA) to take place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on June 14-16, 2023.

The ICHA forum is an opportunity for front-line practitioners committed to fighting corruption as well as policy makers and representatives from the private sector and civil society, to come together to share knowledge, experience, and insights for confronting corruption. For the first time since its inception in 2010, we are hosting the ICHA forum in an African country. This reflects the reality that the negative impacts of corruption can be more devastating for developing countries, who face unique challenges and have fewer resources to overcome them. Yet, it also acknowledges that there is a wealth of anticorruption strengths, skills, and expertise from these countries that we must draw upon.

Together, we can affirm that through our collective action, we can advance the fight against corruption even in an era of crises.

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How to make progress in the fight against corruption

Rajni bajpai, bernard myers.

Enhancing Government Effectiveness and Transparency: The Fight Against Corruption

People have been either fighting corruption or have been victims of it for decades. So, should we accept it as a feature of life and carry on or try to fight it where we can? While developing our global report , which was released last week, we tried to delve deeper into how countries are making progress in addressing corruption. The case studies identified show how reform-minded governments and civil society organizations have contributed to reducing corruption in their specific contexts or laid important foundations that can be built on by others.

Virtually every continent, from Asia to Africa, Europe and the Americas, faces perpetrators who bypass or exploit weaknesses in existing laws and regulations to execute schemes, which have been increasing in scale and sophistication. Corruption undermines the credibility of the public sector, erodes trust in governments and their ability to steer a country to achieve high economic growth and shared prosperity. It often weakens the impact of public service delivery, adversely affecting all citizens especially the poor.

The report comes at a time when the world has changed dramatically due to COVID-19. The spotlight is once again on the capacity and integrity of the public sector -- not just in managing the health crisis but also in dealing with the economic and social impacts of the pandemic.

Emergency responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in huge expenditures by governments, circumventing the standard operating procedures and approval processes. This may create new vulnerabilities and leakages that may only come to light after the initial containment phase has passed. It is at this juncture that the World Bank has undertaken a fresh assessment of the challenges and opportunities faced by governments in tackling corruption in key functions and sectors . We examine the lessons learned from applying selected policy instruments that were designed to mitigate corruption risks, as well as the role and challenges faced by institutions that are intended to promote integrity and accountability.

Drawing lessons from a compendium of case studies from around the world, the report demonstrates that all is not lost and that it is possible to reduce corruption risks even in the most challenging environments. The complex nature of corruption means that technical solutions and added compliance measures will usually be insufficient. A good understanding of the historical origins, social norms, and political culture is often critical to design impactful policies and institutional structures that can support their implementation.

At the same time, one must acknowledge the potential challenges from the forces that benefit from the status quo. There will be resistance owing to the strong inter-play between power, politics, and money. The scope for reformers to make changes will therefore be constrained by the limits of their political influence. It could be a long and frustrating journey with two steps forward and one step backward.

The report presents approaches and policy responses in various country contexts. It reinforces that there is no single formula or magic bullet to address corruption. For example, open government reforms can be effective in promoting an ethos of transparency, inclusiveness, and collaboration and in shifting norms over time by making conditions less conducive to corrupt activity. However, their impact depends on the existence of other enabling factors, such as political will, a free and independent media, a robust civil society, and effective accountability and sanctioning mechanisms.

Case studies featured in the report highlight that multiple factors contribute to the impact of anti-corruption efforts, including political leadership, institutional capacity, incentives, technology, transparency and collaboration. Enhanced collaboration with stakeholders within and outside of government is a critical success factor in overall government effectiveness. Such collaboration involves both the public and private sector, civil society, media, research organizations, think-tanks and citizens. Strengthening the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility!

Editor’s Note: This blog is part of a series that helps unpack our new global report, Enhancing Government Effectiveness and Transparency: The Fight Against Corruption .

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5 Essays About Corruption

Internationally, there is no legal definition of corruption, but it includes bribery, illegal profit, abuse of power, embezzlement, and more. Corrupt activities are illegal, so they are discreet and done in secrecy. Depending on how deep the corruption goes, there may be many people aware of what’s going on, but they choose to do nothing because they’ve been bribed or they’re afraid of retaliation. Any system can become corrupt. Here are five essays that explore where corruption exists, its effects, and how it can be addressed.

Learn more about anti-corruption in a free course .

Corruption in Global Health: The Open Secret

Dr. Patricia J. Garcia The Lancet (2019)

In this published lecture, Dr. Garcia uses her experience as a researcher, public health worker, and Minister of Health to draw attention to corruption in health systems. She explores the extent of the problem, its origins, and what’s happening in the present day. Additional topics include ideas on how to address the problem and why players like policymakers and researchers need to think about corruption as a disease. Dr. Garcia states that corruption is one of the most significant barriers to global universal health coverage.

Dr. Garcia is the former Minister of Health of Peru and a leader in global health. She also works as a professor and researcher/trainer in global health, STI/HIV, HPV, medical informatics, and reproductive health. She’s the first Peruvian to be appointed as a member to the United States National Academy of Medicine

‘Are women leaders less corrupt? No, but they shake things up”

Stella Dawson Reuters (2012)

This piece takes a closer look at the idea that more women in power will mean less corruption. Reality is more complicated than that. Women are not less vulnerable to corruption in terms of their resistance to greed, but there is a link between more female politicians and less corruption. The reason appears to be that women are simply more likely to achieve more power in democratic, open systems that are less tolerant of corruption. A better gender balance also means more effective problem-solving. This piece goes on to give some examples of lower corruption in systems with more women and the complexities. While this particular essay is old, newer research still supports that more women in power is linked to better ethics and lower corruption levels into systems, though women are not inherently less corrupt.

Stella Dawson left Reuters in 2015, where she worked as a global editor for economics and markets. At the Thomson Reuters Foundation and 100Reporters, she headed a network of reporters focusing on corruption issues. Dawson has been featured as a commentator for BBC, CNB, C-Span, and public radio.

“Transparency isn’t the solution to corruption – here’s why”

David Riverios Garcia One Young World

Many believe that corruption can be solved with transparency, but in this piece, Garcia explains why that isn’t the case. He writes that governments have exploited new technology (like open data platforms and government-monitoring acts) to appear like they care about corruption, but, in Garcia’s words, “transparency means nothing without accountability.” Garcia focuses on corruption in Latin America, including Paraguay where Garcia is originally from. He describes his background as a young anti-corruption activist, what he’s learned, and what he considers the real solution to corruption.

At the time of this essay’s publication, David Riverios Garcia was an Open Young World Ambassador. He ran a large-scale anti-corruption campaign (reAccion Paraguay), stopping corruption among local high school authorities. He’s also worked on poverty relief and education reform. The Ministry of Education recognized him for his achievements and in 2009, he was selected by the US Department of State as one of 10 Paraguayan Youth Ambassadors.

“What the World Could Teach America About Policing”

Yasmeen Serhan The Atlantic (2020)

The American police system has faced significant challenges with public trust for decades. In 2020, those issues have erupted and the country is at a tipping point. Corruption is rampant through the system. What can be done? In this piece, the author gives examples of how other countries have managed reform. These reforms include first dismantling the existing system, then providing better training. Once that system is off the ground, there needs to be oversight. Looking at other places in the world that have successfully made radical changes is essential for real change in the United States.

Atlantic staff writer Yasmeen Serhan is based in London.

“$2.6 Trillion Is Lost to Corruption Every Year — And It Hurts the Poor the Most”

Joe McCarthy Global Citizen (2018)

This short piece is a good introduction to just how significant the effects of corruption are. Schools, hospitals, and other essential services suffer, while the poorest and most vulnerable society carry the heaviest burdens. Because of corruption, these services don’t get the funding they need. Cycles of corruption erode citizens’ trust in systems and powerful government entities. What can be done to end the cycle?

Joe McCarthy is a staff writer for Global Citizen. He writes about global events and environmental issues.

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

Strategies for winning the fight against corruption

Subscribe to africa in focus, ngozi okonjo-iweala ngozi okonjo-iweala nonresident distinguished fellow - global economy and development , africa growth initiative @noiweala.

January 15, 2019

Below is a viewpoint from Chapter 1 of the Foresight Africa 2019 report, which explores six overarching themes on the triumphs of the past years as well as strategies to tackle the remaining obstacles for Africa. Read the full chapter on bolstering good governance .

That corruption and poor governance are key factors holding back Africa’s development are notions deeply embedded in the literature and thought on Africa’s socioeconomic development. What is not so common is discourse and success stories about how to systematically fight this corruption. Though this may sound discouraging, I can tell you, from my experience, that it is indeed possible to fight corruption successfully with the right knowledge, patience, and commitment to transparency.

To fight corruption, we must first understand it. Underlying the various forms of corruption—grand, political, and administrative, which include public resource transfers to private entities, allocation of public resources to political allies, and misuse of public funds—are three important factors. The first is a lack of transparency of critical financial and other information central to economic development, in particular revenues and budgets. Second is the weakness or total absence of institutions, systems, and processes that block leakages. Third is the pervasiveness of impunity—limited political will to hold accountable and punish those found guilty of such corruption.

Between the three, the tougher problem is how to build strong and enduring institutions. Building institutions takes time and does not deliver the quick results that typically attract politicians or donors. But it is essential if Africa is to fight corruption systematically and ensure long-term stability. We are fortunate to now have technology that enables us to build electronic platforms to manage government finances, biometric systems to bring integrity to our personnel and government payment systems, and web-based platforms to provide transparency of government finances. We need to go even further to see how we can deploy blockchain and other emerging technologies to underpin our contract negotiations and procurement systems, a huge source of corruption and leakage in many countries.

Africa needs to focus its anti-corruption fight on long-term, high-return institution building activities, coupled with the justice infrastructure and political will to hold those who transgress accountable.

We should combine these efforts with building strong and independent audit and justice systems, including a well-resourced judiciary and an oversight office to field complaints. We also need to create an environment that enables strong and accountable civil society organizations that provide oversight of government. Such strong and independent institutions have a salutary effect on political will as they exert the necessary pressure on politicians, even at the highest levels, to act. Such initiatives take patience and determination though, since building these institutions, systems, and processes may take a decade or more.

My experience in Nigeria showed that a decade spanning three administrations was necessary to build well-functioning technology platforms for managing the country’s finances. The savings in terms of blocked leakages, amounting to over a billion dollars, made it worthwhile.

We found that supporting institution building with openness and transparency of revenue and budgetary data provides a win that can be implemented quickly. The increasing accessibility of the inter net via mobile phones and various analytic apps makes it easier now more than ever to share with citizens information on revenues and expenditures. Publishing monthly data in national newspapers on local, state, and federal government revenues was unprecedented in Nigeria when we started in 2004, but it helped us gain public support for our initiatives going forward. It laid the basis for much more sophisticated analytics on the budget shared widely via the internet today.

Africa needs to focus its anti-corruption fight on long-term, high-return institution building activities, coupled with the justice infrastructure and political will to hold those who transgress accountable. This process should start by making key government statistics open and transparent, enabling citizens to keep on top of important information and build trust in their governments. Only with these pragmatic approaches can the continent record wins against corruption.

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Corruption: A Very Short Introduction

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Corruption is one of the biggest global issues, ahead of extreme poverty, unemployment, the rising cost of food and energy, climate change, and terrorism. It is thought to be one of the principal causes of poverty around the globe. Its significance in the contemporary world cannot be overestimated. Corruption: A Very Short Introduction notes that corruption is as old as humanity itself, and then considers why the international community has only highlighted it as a problem in the past two decades. It explores the phenomenon from several different perspectives, from the cultural differences affecting how corruption is defined, its impact, its various causes, and the possible remedies.

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Doha Declaration

Education for justice.

Agenda Day 1
Agenda Day 2
Agenda Day 3
Agenda Day 4
Registration
Breakout Sessions for Primary and Secondary Level
Breakout Sessions for Tertiary Level
E4J Youth Competition
India - Lockdown Learners
Chuka, Break the Silence
The Online Zoo
I would like a community where ...
Staying safe online
Let's be respectful online
We can all be heroes
Respect for all
We all have rights
A mosaic of differences
The right thing to do
Solving ethical dilemmas
UNODC-UNESCO Guide for Policymakers
UNODC-UNESCO Handbooks for Teachers
Justice Accelerators
Introduction
Organized Crime
Trafficking in Persons & Smuggling of Migrants
Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice Reform
Crime Prevention, Criminal Justice & SDGs
UN Congress on Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice
Commission on Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice
Conference of the Parties to UNTOC
Conference of the States Parties to UNCAC
Rules for Simulating Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice Bodies
Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice
Engage with Us
Contact Us about MUN
Conferences Supporting E4J
Cyberstrike
Play for Integrity
Running out of Time
Zorbs Reloaded
Developing a Rationale for Using the Video
Previewing the Anti-Corruption Video
Viewing the Video with a Purpose
Post-viewing Activities
Previewing the Firearms Video
Rationale for Using the Video
Previewing the Human Trafficking Video
Previewing the Organized Crime Video
Previewing the Video
Criminal Justice & Crime Prevention
Corruption & Integrity
Human Trafficking & Migrant Smuggling
Firearms Trafficking
Terrorism & Violent Extremism
Introduction & Learning Outcomes
Corruption - Baseline Definition
Effects of Corruption
Deeper Meanings of Corruption
Measuring Corruption
Possible Class Structure
Core Reading
Advanced Reading
Student Assessment
Additional Teaching Tools
Guidelines for Stand-Alone Course
Appendix: How Corruption Affects the SDGs
What is Governance?
What is Good Governance?
Corruption and Bad Governance
Governance Reforms and Anti-Corruption
Guidelines for Stand-alone Course
Corruption and Democracy
Corruption and Authoritarian Systems
Hybrid Systems and Syndromes of Corruption
The Deep Democratization Approach
Political Parties and Political Finance
Political Institution-building as a Means to Counter Corruption
Manifestations and Consequences of Public Sector Corruption
Causes of Public Sector Corruption
Theories that Explain Corruption
Corruption in Public Procurement
Corruption in State-Owned Enterprises
Responses to Public Sector Corruption
Preventing Public Sector Corruption
Forms & Manifestations of Private Sector Corruption
Consequences of Private Sector Corruption
Causes of Private Sector Corruption
Responses to Private Sector Corruption
Preventing Private Sector Corruption
Collective Action & Public-Private Partnerships against Corruption
Transparency as a Precondition
Detection Mechanisms - Auditing and Reporting
Whistle-blowing Systems and Protections
Investigation of Corruption
Introduction and Learning Outcomes
Brief background on the human rights system
Overview of the corruption-human rights nexus
Impact of corruption on specific human rights
Approaches to assessing the corruption-human rights nexus
Human-rights based approach
Defining sex, gender and gender mainstreaming
Gender differences in corruption
Theories explaining the gender–corruption nexus
Gendered impacts of corruption
Anti-corruption and gender mainstreaming
Manifestations of corruption in education
Costs of corruption in education
Causes of corruption in education
Fighting corruption in education
Core terms and concepts

The role of citizens in fighting corruption

The role, risks and challenges of CSOs fighting corruption
The role of the media in fighting corruption
Access to information: a condition for citizen participation
ICT as a tool for citizen participation in anti-corruption efforts
Government obligations to ensure citizen participation in anti-corruption efforts
Teaching Guide
Brief History of Terrorism
19th Century Terrorism
League of Nations & Terrorism
United Nations & Terrorism
Terrorist Victimization
Exercises & Case Studies
Radicalization & Violent Extremism
Preventing & Countering Violent Extremism
Drivers of Violent Extremism
International Approaches to PVE &CVE
Regional & Multilateral Approaches
Defining Rule of Law
UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy
International Cooperation & UN CT Strategy
Legal Sources & UN CT Strategy
Regional & National Approaches
International Legal Frameworks
International Human Rights Law
International Humanitarian Law
International Refugee Law
Current Challenges to International Legal Framework
Defining Terrorism
Criminal Justice Responses
Treaty-based Crimes of Terrorism
Core International Crimes
International Courts and Tribunals
African Region
Inter-American Region
Asian Region
European Region
Middle East & Gulf Regions
Core Principles of IHL
Categorization of Armed Conflict
Classification of Persons
IHL, Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism
Relationship between IHL & intern. human rights law
Limitations Permitted by Human Rights Law
Derogation during Public Emergency
Examples of States of Emergency & Derogations
International Human Rights Instruments
Regional Human Rights Instruments
Extra-territorial Application of Right to Life
Arbitrary Deprivation of Life
Death Penalty
Enforced Disappearances
Armed Conflict Context
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Convention against Torture et al.
International Legal Framework
Key Contemporary Issues
Investigative Phase
Trial & Sentencing Phase
Armed Conflict
Case Studies
Special Investigative Techniques
Surveillance & Interception of Communications
Privacy & Intelligence Gathering in Armed Conflict
Accountability & Oversight of Intelligence Gathering
Principle of Non-Discrimination
Freedom of Religion
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of Assembly
Freedom of Association
Fundamental Freedoms
Definition of 'Victim'
Effects of Terrorism
Access to Justice
Recognition of the Victim
Human Rights Instruments
Criminal Justice Mechanisms
Instruments for Victims of Terrorism
National Approaches
Key Challenges in Securing Reparation
Topic 1. Contemporary issues relating to conditions conducive both to the spread of terrorism and the rule of law
Topic 2. Contemporary issues relating to the right to life
Topic 3. Contemporary issues relating to foreign terrorist fighters
Topic 4. Contemporary issues relating to non-discrimination and fundamental freedoms
Module 16: Linkages between Organized Crime and Terrorism
Thematic Areas
Content Breakdown
Module Adaptation & Design Guidelines
Teaching Methods
Acknowledgements
1. Introducing United Nations Standards & Norms on CPCJ vis-à-vis International Law
2. Scope of United Nations Standards & Norms on CPCJ
3. United Nations Standards & Norms on CPCJ in Operation
1. Definition of Crime Prevention
2. Key Crime Prevention Typologies
2. (cont.) Tonry & Farrington’s Typology
3. Crime Problem-Solving Approaches
4. What Works
United Nations Entities
Regional Crime Prevention Councils/Institutions
Key Clearinghouses
Systematic Reviews
1. Introduction to International Standards & Norms
2. Identifying the Need for Legal Aid
3. Key Components of the Right of Access to Legal Aid
4. Access to Legal Aid for Those with Specific Needs
5. Models for Governing, Administering and Funding Legal Aid
6. Models for Delivering Legal Aid Services
7. Roles and Responsibilities of Legal Aid Providers
8. Quality Assurance and Legal Aid Services
1. Context for Use of Force by Law Enforcement Officials
2. Legal Framework
3. General Principles of Use of Force in Law Enforcement
4. Use of Firearms
5. Use of “Less-Lethal” Weapons
6. Protection of Especially Vulnerable Groups
7. Use of Force during Assemblies
1. Policing in democracies & need for accountability, integrity, oversight
2. Key mechanisms & actors in police accountability, oversight
3. Crosscutting & contemporary issues in police accountability
1. Introducing Aims of Punishment, Imprisonment & Prison Reform
2. Current Trends, Challenges & Human Rights
3. Towards Humane Prisons & Alternative Sanctions
1. Aims and Significance of Alternatives to Imprisonment
2. Justifying Punishment in the Community
3. Pretrial Alternatives
4. Post Trial Alternatives
5. Evaluating Alternatives
1. Concept, Values and Origin of Restorative Justice
2. Overview of Restorative Justice Processes
3. How Cost Effective is Restorative Justice?
4. Issues in Implementing Restorative Justice
1. Gender-Based Discrimination & Women in Conflict with the Law
2. Vulnerabilities of Girls in Conflict with the Law
3. Discrimination and Violence against LGBTI Individuals
4. Gender Diversity in Criminal Justice Workforce
1. Ending Violence against Women
2. Human Rights Approaches to Violence against Women
3. Who Has Rights in this Situation?
4. What about the Men?
5. Local, Regional & Global Solutions to Violence against Women & Girls
1. Understanding the Concept of Victims of Crime
2. Impact of Crime, including Trauma
3. Right of Victims to Adequate Response to their Needs
4. Collecting Victim Data
5. Victims and their Participation in Criminal Justice Process
6. Victim Services: Institutional and Non-Governmental Organizations
7. Outlook on Current Developments Regarding Victims
8. Victims of Crime and International Law
1. The Many Forms of Violence against Children
2. The Impact of Violence on Children
3. States' Obligations to Prevent VAC and Protect Child Victims
4. Improving the Prevention of Violence against Children
5. Improving the Criminal Justice Response to VAC
6. Addressing Violence against Children within the Justice System
1. The Role of the Justice System
2. Convention on the Rights of the Child & International Legal Framework on Children's Rights
3. Justice for Children
4. Justice for Children in Conflict with the Law
5. Realizing Justice for Children
1a. Judicial Independence as Fundamental Value of Rule of Law & of Constitutionalism
1b. Main Factors Aimed at Securing Judicial Independence
2a. Public Prosecutors as ‘Gate Keepers’ of Criminal Justice
2b. Institutional and Functional Role of Prosecutors
2c. Other Factors Affecting the Role of Prosecutors
Basics of Computing
Global Connectivity and Technology Usage Trends
Cybercrime in Brief
Cybercrime Trends
Cybercrime Prevention
Offences against computer data and systems
Computer-related offences
Content-related offences
The Role of Cybercrime Law
Harmonization of Laws
International and Regional Instruments
International Human Rights and Cybercrime Law
Digital Evidence
Digital Forensics
Standards and Best Practices for Digital Forensics
Reporting Cybercrime
Who Conducts Cybercrime Investigations?
Obstacles to Cybercrime Investigations
Knowledge Management
Legal and Ethical Obligations
Handling of Digital Evidence
Digital Evidence Admissibility
Sovereignty and Jurisdiction
Formal International Cooperation Mechanisms
Informal International Cooperation Mechanisms
Data Retention, Preservation and Access
Challenges Relating to Extraterritorial Evidence
National Capacity and International Cooperation
Internet Governance
Cybersecurity Strategies: Basic Features
National Cybersecurity Strategies
International Cooperation on Cybersecurity Matters
Cybersecurity Posture
Assets, Vulnerabilities and Threats
Vulnerability Disclosure
Cybersecurity Measures and Usability
Situational Crime Prevention
Incident Detection, Response, Recovery & Preparedness
Privacy: What it is and Why it is Important
Privacy and Security
Cybercrime that Compromises Privacy
Data Protection Legislation
Data Breach Notification Laws
Enforcement of Privacy and Data Protection Laws
Intellectual Property: What it is
Types of Intellectual Property
Causes for Cyber-Enabled Copyright & Trademark Offences
Protection & Prevention Efforts
Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
Cyberstalking and Cyberharassment
Cyberbullying
Gender-Based Interpersonal Cybercrime
Interpersonal Cybercrime Prevention
Cyber Organized Crime: What is it?
Conceptualizing Organized Crime & Defining Actors Involved
Criminal Groups Engaging in Cyber Organized Crime
Cyber Organized Crime Activities
Preventing & Countering Cyber Organized Crime
Cyberespionage
Cyberterrorism
Cyberwarfare
Information Warfare, Disinformation & Electoral Fraud
Responses to Cyberinterventions
Framing the Issue of Firearms
Direct Impact of Firearms
Indirect Impacts of Firearms on States or Communities
International and National Responses
Typology and Classification of Firearms
Common Firearms Types
'Other' Types of Firearms
Parts and Components
History of the Legitimate Arms Market
Need for a Legitimate Market
Key Actors in the Legitimate Market
Authorized & Unauthorized Arms Transfers
Illegal Firearms in Social, Cultural & Political Context
Supply, Demand & Criminal Motivations
Larger Scale Firearms Trafficking Activities
Smaller Scale Trafficking Activities
Sources of Illicit Firearms
Consequences of Illicit Markets
International Public Law & Transnational Law
International Instruments with Global Outreach
Commonalities, Differences & Complementarity between Global Instruments
Tools to Support Implementation of Global Instruments
Other United Nations Processes
The Sustainable Development Goals
Multilateral & Regional Instruments
Scope of National Firearms Regulations
National Firearms Strategies & Action Plans
Harmonization of National Legislation with International Firearms Instruments
Assistance for Development of National Firearms Legislation
Firearms Trafficking as a Cross-Cutting Element
Organized Crime and Organized Criminal Groups
Criminal Gangs
Terrorist Groups
Interconnections between Organized Criminal Groups & Terrorist Groups
Gangs - Organized Crime & Terrorism: An Evolving Continuum
International Response
International and National Legal Framework
Firearms Related Offences
Role of Law Enforcement
Firearms as Evidence
Use of Special Investigative Techniques
International Cooperation and Information Exchange
Prosecution and Adjudication of Firearms Trafficking
Teaching Methods & Principles
Ethical Learning Environments
Overview of Modules
Module Adaption & Design Guidelines
Table of Exercises
Basic Terms
Forms of Gender Discrimination
Ethics of Care
Case Studies for Professional Ethics
Case Studies for Role Morality
Additional Exercises
Defining Organized Crime
Definition in Convention
Similarities & Differences
Activities, Organization, Composition
Thinking Critically Through Fiction
Excerpts of Legislation
Research & Independent Study Questions
Legal Definitions of Organized Crimes
Criminal Association
Definitions in the Organized Crime Convention
Criminal Organizations and Enterprise Laws
Enabling Offence: Obstruction of Justice
Drug Trafficking
Wildlife & Forest Crime
Counterfeit Products Trafficking
Falsified Medical Products
Trafficking in Cultural Property
Trafficking in Persons
Case Studies & Exercises
Extortion Racketeering
Loansharking
Links to Corruption
Bribery versus Extortion
Money-Laundering
Liability of Legal Persons
How much Organized Crime is there?
Alternative Ways for Measuring
Measuring Product Markets
Risk Assessment
Key Concepts of Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment of Organized Crime Groups
Risk Assessment of Product Markets
Risk Assessment in Practice
Positivism: Environmental Influences
Classical: Pain-Pleasure Decisions
Structural Factors
Ethical Perspective
Crime Causes & Facilitating Factors
Models and Structure
Hierarchical Model
Local, Cultural Model
Enterprise or Business Model
Groups vs Activities
Networked Structure
Jurisdiction
Investigators of Organized Crime
Controlled Deliveries
Physical & Electronic Surveillance
Undercover Operations
Financial Analysis
Use of Informants
Rights of Victims & Witnesses
Role of Prosecutors
Adversarial vs Inquisitorial Legal Systems
Mitigating Punishment
Granting Immunity from Prosecution
Witness Protection
Aggravating & Mitigating Factors
Sentencing Options
Alternatives to Imprisonment
Death Penalty & Organized Crime
Backgrounds of Convicted Offenders
Confiscation
Confiscation in Practice
Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA)
Extradition
Transfer of Criminal Proceedings
Transfer of Sentenced Persons
Module 12: Prevention of Organized Crime
Adoption of Organized Crime Convention
Historical Context
Features of the Convention
Related international instruments
Conference of the Parties
Roles of Participants
Structure and Flow
Recommended Topics
Background Materials
What is Sex / Gender / Intersectionality?
Knowledge about Gender in Organized Crime
Gender and Organized Crime
Gender and Different Types of Organized Crime
Definitions and Terminology
Organized crime and Terrorism - International Legal Framework
International Terrorism-related Conventions
UNSC Resolutions on Terrorism
Organized Crime Convention and its Protocols
Theoretical Frameworks on Linkages between Organized Crime and Terrorism
Typologies of Criminal Behaviour Associated with Terrorism
Terrorism and Drug Trafficking
Terrorism and Trafficking in Weapons
Terrorism, Crime and Trafficking in Cultural Property
Trafficking in Persons and Terrorism
Intellectual Property Crime and Terrorism
Kidnapping for Ransom and Terrorism
Exploitation of Natural Resources and Terrorism
Review and Assessment Questions
Research and Independent Study Questions
Criminalization of Smuggling of Migrants
UNTOC & the Protocol against Smuggling of Migrants
Offences under the Protocol
Financial & Other Material Benefits
Aggravating Circumstances
Criminal Liability
Non-Criminalization of Smuggled Migrants
Scope of the Protocol
Humanitarian Exemption
Migrant Smuggling v. Irregular Migration
Migrant Smuggling vis-a-vis Other Crime Types
Other Resources
Assistance and Protection in the Protocol
International Human Rights and Refugee Law
Vulnerable groups
Positive and Negative Obligations of the State
Identification of Smuggled Migrants
Participation in Legal Proceedings
Role of Non-Governmental Organizations
Smuggled Migrants & Other Categories of Migrants
Short-, Mid- and Long-Term Measures
Criminal Justice Reponse: Scope
Investigative & Prosecutorial Approaches
Different Relevant Actors & Their Roles
Testimonial Evidence
Financial Investigations
Non-Governmental Organizations
‘Outside the Box’ Methodologies
Intra- and Inter-Agency Coordination
Admissibility of Evidence
International Cooperation
Exchange of Information
Non-Criminal Law Relevant to Smuggling of Migrants
Administrative Approach
Complementary Activities & Role of Non-criminal Justice Actors
Macro-Perspective in Addressing Smuggling of Migrants
Human Security
International Aid and Cooperation
Migration & Migrant Smuggling
Mixed Migration Flows
Social Politics of Migrant Smuggling
Vulnerability
Profile of Smugglers
Role of Organized Criminal Groups
Humanitarianism, Security and Migrant Smuggling
Crime of Trafficking in Persons
The Issue of Consent
The Purpose of Exploitation
The abuse of a position of vulnerability
Indicators of Trafficking in Persons
Distinction between Trafficking in Persons and Other Crimes
Misconceptions Regarding Trafficking in Persons
Root Causes
Supply Side Prevention Strategies
Demand Side Prevention Strategies
Role of the Media
Safe Migration Channels
Crime Prevention Strategies
Monitoring, Evaluating & Reporting on Effectiveness of Prevention
Trafficked Persons as Victims
Protection under the Protocol against Trafficking in Persons
Broader International Framework
State Responsibility for Trafficking in Persons
Identification of Victims
Principle of Non-Criminalization of Victims
Criminal Justice Duties Imposed on States
Role of the Criminal Justice System
Current Low Levels of Prosecutions and Convictions
Challenges to an Effective Criminal Justice Response
Rights of Victims to Justice and Protection
Potential Strategies to “Turn the Tide”
State Cooperation with Civil Society
Civil Society Actors
The Private Sector
Comparing SOM and TIP
Differences and Commonalities
Vulnerability and Continuum between SOM & TIP
Labour Exploitation
Forced Marriage
Other Examples
Children on the Move
Protecting Smuggled and Trafficked Children
Protection in Practice
Children Alleged as Having Committed Smuggling or Trafficking Offences
Basic Terms - Gender and Gender Stereotypes
International Legal Frameworks and Definitions of TIP and SOM
Global Overview on TIP and SOM
Gender and Migration
Key Debates in the Scholarship on TIP and SOM
Gender and TIP and SOM Offenders
Responses to TIP and SOM
Use of Technology to Facilitate TIP and SOM
Technology Facilitating Trafficking in Persons
Technology in Smuggling of Migrants
Using Technology to Prevent and Combat TIP and SOM
Privacy and Data Concerns
Emerging Trends
Demand and Consumption
Supply and Demand
Implications of Wildlife Trafficking
Legal and Illegal Markets
Perpetrators and their Networks
Locations and Activities relating to Wildlife Trafficking
Environmental Protection & Conservation
CITES & the International Trade in Endangered Species
Organized Crime & Corruption
Animal Welfare
Criminal Justice Actors and Agencies
Criminalization of Wildlife Trafficking
Challenges for Law Enforcement
Investigation Measures and Detection Methods
Prosecution and Judiciary
Wild Flora as the Target of Illegal Trafficking
Purposes for which Wild Flora is Illegally Targeted
How is it Done and Who is Involved?
Consequences of Harms to Wild Flora
Terminology
Background: Communities and conservation: A history of disenfranchisement
Incentives for communities to get involved in illegal wildlife trafficking: the cost of conservation
Incentives to participate in illegal wildlife, logging and fishing economies
International and regional responses that fight wildlife trafficking while supporting IPLCs
Mechanisms for incentivizing community conservation and reducing wildlife trafficking
Critiques of community engagement
Other challenges posed by wildlife trafficking that affect local populations
Global Podcast Series
Apr. 2021: Call for Expressions of Interest: Online training for academics from francophone Africa
Feb. 2021: Series of Seminars for Universities of Central Asia
Dec. 2020: UNODC and TISS Conference on Access to Justice to End Violence
Nov. 2020: Expert Workshop for University Lecturers and Trainers from the Commonwealth of Independent States
Oct. 2020: E4J Webinar Series: Youth Empowerment through Education for Justice
Interview: How to use E4J's tool in teaching on TIP and SOM
E4J-Open University Online Training-of-Trainers Course
Teaching Integrity and Ethics Modules: Survey Results
Grants Programmes
E4J MUN Resource Guide
Library of Resources
Anti-Corruption
Module 10: Citizen Participation in Anti-Corruption Efforts
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University Module Series: Anti-Corruption

Module 10: citizen participation in anti-corruption efforts.

This module is a resource for lecturers

Citizen participation is not a new concept, although it has gained traction in the past few decades. As stressed by the National Democratic Institute (a United States-based CSO), citizens have "the right to participate in decisions that affect public welfare" and such "participation is an instrumental driver of democratic and socio-economic change, and a fundamental way to empower citizens". Citizen participation has also been described as "a process which provides private individuals an opportunity to influence public decisions and has long been a component of the democratic decision-making process" (Cogan and Sharpe, 1986, p. 283). Citizen participation is classified as direct or indirect, with direct citizen participation being regarded as "the process by which members of a society share power with public officials in making substantive decisions related to the community" (Roberts, 2008, p. 5). There are even international treaties that highlight the importance of citizen participation, such as the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters.

The discourse on citizen participation has traditionally focused on participation in democratic decision-making, and there are different ways in which citizen participation is operationalized in democratic processes. This can be through bottom-up measures, such as voting, grass-roots organization and participation, or through top-down mechanisms spurred by organizations such as the Open Government Partnership (discussed in Module 4 of the E4J University Module Series on Anti-Corruption). Innes and Booher (2004) have identified five grounds for upholding citizen participation in public decision-making: 1) to include public preferences in decision-making; 2) to improve decisions by incorporating citizens' local knowledge; 3) to promote fairness and justice, and hear marginalized voices; 4) to legitimize public decisions; and 5) to fulfil the requirements of the law.

Citizen participation in relation to anti-corruption efforts encompasses dynamics and approaches that may differ from citizen participation in other public processes, given that the State may not always provide citizens the same access to space and information in relation to fighting corruption. Corruption bypasses democratic mechanisms to the extent that Mark Warren (2004) has defined corruption as a violation of democratic inclusion. Corruption bypasses the laws and rules that were democratically established and excludes those who do not participate in corrupt exchanges (e.g. services that are meant to be public are allocated to those who bribe or on the basis of clientelism). For this reason, the role of citizens is better understood in terms of social accountability, where the citizens oppose corruption by keeping it in check, critically assessing the conduct and decisions of office holders, reporting corruption misdoings and crimes, and asking for appropriate countermeasures.

Concrete ways in which individual citizens may contribute to the fight against corruption include reporting on corruption to the authority or through the media, and supporting training programmes and sensitization campaigns that aim to create a culture of integrity and zero tolerance for corruption. Sometimes even refusing to participate in corrupt practices is an important act of resistance. It is worthwhile dedicating a few lines to the issue of reporting on corruption, as this is one important avenue through which individual citizens can participate in anti-corruption efforts. As technology has advanced, new methods of citizen reporting have become available. Most anti-corruption agencies now allow reports to be made online. In many countries, smartphone applications are enabling citizens to easily report incidents of corruption. In 2012, the World Bank released its own Integrity App . This app allows users to make confidential reports of fraud and corruption in World Bank projects. It also provides links to the outcomes of investigations. Another approach to reporting corruption outside official channels is through the use of crowdsourcing and social media. In India, for example, Swati and Ramesh Ramanathan created the online platform called " I Paid a Bribe " to expose everyday corruption by allowing people to post their stories anonymously (Strom, 2012). The website has not only served to document corruption, but also to increase awareness among the public. Another example is Digiwhist , a web portal and mobile app technology launched in Europe for the "systematic collection, structuring, analysis, and broad dissemination of information on public procurement and on mechanisms that increase accountability of public officials in all EU and some neighbouring countries". Using the transparency and public accountability of open access, Digiwhist focuses on assessing fiscal transparency, risk assessment and impact of good governance policies.

In many countries around the world, there is a concrete risk of the normalization of corruption and the decline of public criticism of manifestations of corruption. In an ironic twist, corruption ends up being considered a necessary evil or even a shortcut to access some important goods. In such contexts, the critical attitude of citizens toward corruption is weakened or altogether lost. In other cases, high levels of corruption, citizen frustration with public sector corruption and poor governance (which often corresponds to high levels of corruption) may lead to citizen apathy, a lack of civic engagement and a lack of trust in the political and democratic process. Apathy and indifference are dangerous because where citizens fail to hold public officials accountable, corruption spreads even further, together with impunity for corrupt conduct (Olsson, 2014).

Citizen apathy or a lack of civic engagement may be addressed by empowering citizens and by introducing innovative approaches to citizen participation (McCormack and Doran, 2014). For example, the NGO Transparency International launched an anti-corruption tool called the Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC) aimed at enhancing awareness of corruption and its negative consequences, and at facilitating the reporting of corruption. It started with three initial ALACs in Romania, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and later established more than 60 centres on all continents. These centres provide victims and witnesses of corruption with practical assistance to pursue complaints and address their grievances. Through providing this support, the centres make it possible for citizens to denounce corruption and participate in anti-corruption efforts.

It is crucial that in all countries, citizens are able to recognize corruption and are empowered to participate, so as to avoid the consequences of unabated corruption, such as deep inequalities (Uslaner, 2008), increased levels of private dishonesty (Gachter and Schulz, 2016), the demoralization of the public (Ariely and Uslaner, 2017), instability and even violent extremism (Chayes, 2015). For a further discussion of the adverse effects of corruption, see Module 1 of the E4J University Module Series on Anti-Corruption.

Where citizens and public officials pursue, use and exchange wealth and power in the absence of appropriate accountability mechanisms, it is common to witness the establishment of what Michael Johnston (2005) called the syndromes of corruption: influence markets, elite cartels, oligarchs and clans, and official moguls. For a further discussion of these syndromes, see Module 2 of the E4J University Module Series on Anti-Corruption.

One should be aware, however, of the possible instrumentalization of citizens' anti-corruption attitudes. Transparency International observers remarked, for example, that corruption is an important element of populist rhetoric. Populist leaders tend to use public outrage for corrupt behaviour to punish political adversaries. Populist movements present themselves as an anti-corruption force drawing on the idea that corrupt elites work against the interest of the people. In many cases, however, such movements are not accompanied by an actual anti-corruption strategy and even facilitate new forms of corruption (Transparency International, 2019). For a further discussion on this topic, see Module 1 of the E4J University Module Series on Anti-Corruption.

Next: The role, risks and challenges of CSOs fighting corruption

Essay on Corruption, Its Causes, and Effects

Causes of corruption: essay introduction, causes of corruption, effects of corruption, conclusion: what are the causes and effects of corruption.

Bibliography

Transparency International defines corruption as an act that abuses the entrusted power for private gain. This means that it violates the rights of individuals that have bestowed power, authority, and legitimacy. Corruption varies in degree and nature depending on the level of its occurrence, people involved, and circumstances that motivate individuals to be corrupt. Modernization has transformed corruption, and people adopt new and complicated ways of concealing their fraudulent activities. This paper presents the causes and effects of corruption in the public and private sector.

Politics is an effective way of ensuring power and resources are shared equally among all individuals from different backgrounds within a specified jurisdiction. However, people have used political activities and offices to advance their gains and neglect the need to be accountable and responsible to the public. The emergence of political elites has created room for corruption to flourish in public and private offices because people no longer respect the need to develop national programs that will benefit citizens. They have diverted the resources of the public to achieve their gains without considering the impacts of their actions on other citizens. Politics has allowed corrupt officers to win elections and take powerful positions in government. Therefore, citizens continue to suffer because their interests are not addressed by those they expected would alleviate their problems.

Also, the existence of artificial scarcity of resources has pushed people to look for cheap ways of getting what they need. For instance, the scarcity of employment and investment opportunities has led to stiff competition for the limited available resources. Therefore, people use unorthodox ways to persuade those in charge of approving projects to allow them to continue with their investment projects. People with malevolent intentions continue to destroy the economy of their nations as they create false impressions of the scarcity of resources. The existence of unhealthy competitions among businesses forces some of them to use unethical ways to persuade their clients to buy their products. Government officials in charge of quality standards are usually bribed to cover the activities of such investors, and this promotes corruption in businesses. This violates the rights of citizens to access quality products and services.

Thirdly, the ethical qualities of people in authority have decreased, and their value system deteriorated due to lack of strong moral teachings and responsibilities. People no longer have respect for the old ideals of moral and honest service delivery procedures, and society has become a haven for individuals that disregard human dignity. It is necessary to explain that modernity has clouded the need to respect the positions and individuals placed to serve others. People have little respect for morals that guide service delivery and ensure others benefit from their services. Therefore, corruption has been fuelled by poor moral values and lack of respect for human life.

The present generation is full of corrupt activities because people fail to condemn them. There are no strong civil societies to rebuke and oppose corrupt leaders, and this promotes the flourishing of this behavior in generations. The American public forum is dominated by debates on gay marriages, foreign policies, and inflated health bills, but nobody seems to pay attention to the escalating cases of corruption in the public and private sectors. The younger generations do not see the need to fight corruption because their predecessors support and cultivate it through modern systems and activities.

Lastly, widespread poverty and illiteracy have contributed to endemic corruption in modern societies. There are efforts to educate people, especially the rural folks, to ensure they know their rights and freedoms to reduce corruption in their societies. However, these efforts seem to bear no fruits because poverty drives them to seek cheap and quick ways of accessing their needs. Also, poverty makes people desperate, and thus, they do anything that will ensure they have food on their tables. Therefore, corruption flourishes in most societies because people do not know their rights and those that do have limited resources to access them.

Corruption violates the rights and freedoms of individuals to get basic services from public and private offices. This means that this practice compromises the quality of services offered by employees in the public and private sectors and puts the lives of citizens at risk. Corrupt officials do not offer equal services to clients because they treat some with more interests than others. This violates the provisions of equality and the rights for justice in various issues. This makes public institutions and offices to become illegitimate because of misusing their democratic power for private gains.

Also, corruption hinders the effective development of political systems in a country. This vice promotes patronage that is serious threats to democratic processes. Most corrupt nations experience civil disobedience and political instability that hamper development projects. The introduction of multi-party democratic systems is usually hampered by the corruption that compromises the legitimacy of political parties and individuals. Civil disobedience and lack of trust in political institutions propel individuals to protest and demand the removal of their leaders from power.

Moreover, this vice stalls development projects and subjects citizens to abject poverty because of a lack of transparency and accountability in public offices. Corruption enables few individuals that have money to have their way and get what they want while those that do not have been forced to look for other alternatives. Poverty and unemployment are common occurrences in societies that condone corruption, and they cannot develop because of poor management systems. The need to offer quality services like improving infrastructure, medical facilities, schools, and social amenities is compromised by the lack of transparent processes of awarding tenders and distributing resources in a society.

Lastly, this vice discourages unity and cooperation in society because some individuals think they are more important than others. Unequal distribution of national resources and restricted access to public services lead to frustration and apathy among citizens, and this weakens the fabric that binds members of the society. This leads to social inequality and the emergence of class differences that violate the dignity and rights of individuals. Uncontrolled corruption widens the gap between the rich and poor, and this results in a weak civil society.

Corruption is caused by man-made factors like capitalism, lack of transparency and accountability, nepotism, tribalism, poverty, weak social and political structures, and poverty. This vice lowers the pace of national development, weakens societies, and increases poverty. Therefore, people should work hard to ensure they fight corruption by educating their members on the importance of transparent practices. Also, government systems should be programmed to detect and eliminate this vice, and those found promoting it should face harsh penalties.

Johnston, M., Syndromes of Corruption: Wealth, Power, and Democracy. Cambridge:Cambridge University Press, 2009.

Turvey, B., Forensic Fraud: Evaluating Law Enforcement and Forensic Science Cultures in the Context of Examiner Misconduct . Massachussetts: Academic Press, 2013.

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How to Stop Corruption Essay: Guide & Topics [+4 Samples]

Corruption is an abuse of power that was entrusted to a person or group of people for personal gain. It can appear in various settings and affect different social classes, leading to unemployment and other economic issues. This is why writing an essay on corruption can become a challenge.

One “how to stop corruption” essay will require plenty of time and effort, as the topic is too broad. That’s why our experts have prepared this guide. It can help you with research and make the overall writing process easier. Besides, you will find free essays on corruption with outlines.

✍️ How to Write an Essay
💰 Essay Examples
🤑 How to Stop Corruption Essay
💲 Topics for Essay

✍️ How to Write an Essay on Corruption

Before writing on the issue, you have to understand a few things. First , corruption can take different forms, such as:

Bribery – receiving money or other valuable items in exchange for using power or influence in an illegal way.
Graft – using power or authority for personal goals.
Extortion – threats or violence for the person’s advantage.
Kickback – paying commission to a bribe-taker for some service.
Cronyism – assigning unqualified friends or relatives to job positions.
Embezzlement – stealing the government’s money.

Second , you should carefully think about the effects of corruption on the country. It seriously undermines democracy and the good name of political institutions. Its economic, political, and social impact is hard to estimate.

Let’s focus on writing about corruption. What are the features of your future paper? What elements should you include in your writing?

Below, we will show you the general essay on corruption sample and explain each part’s importance:

You already chose the paper topic. What’s next? Create an outline for your future writing. You’re better to compose a plan for your paper so that it won’t suffer from logic errors and discrepancies. Besides, you may be required to add your outline to your paper and compose a corruption essay with headings.

At this step, you sketch out the skeleton:

what to write in the introduction;
what points to discuss in the body section;
what to put into the conclusion.

Take the notes during your research to use them later. They will help you to put your arguments in a logical order and show what points you can use in the essay.

For a long-form essay, we suggest you divide it into parts. Title each one and use headings to facilitate the reading process.

🔴 Introduction

The next step is to develop a corruption essay’s introduction. Here, you should give your readers a preview of what’s coming and state your position.

Start with a catchy hook.
Give a brief description of the problem context.
Provide a thesis statement.

You can always update and change it when finishing the paper.

🔴 Body Paragraphs

In the body section, you will provide the central points and supporting evidence. When discussing the effects of this problem in your corruption essay, do not forget to include statistics and other significant data.

Every paragraph should include a topic sentence, explanation, and supporting evidence. To make them fit together, use analysis and critical thinking.

Use interesting facts and compelling arguments to earn your audience’s attention. It may drift while reading an essay about corruption, so don’t let it happen.

🔴 Quotations

Quotes are the essential elements of any paper. They support your claims and add credibility to your writing. Such items are exceptionally crucial for an essay on corruption as the issue can be controversial, so you may want to back up your arguments.

You may incorporate direct quotes in your text. In this case, remember to use quotation marks and mark the page number for yourself. Don’t exceed the 30 words limit. Add the information about the source in the reference list.
You may decide to use a whole paragraph from your source as supporting evidence. Then, quote indirectly—paraphrase, summarize, or synthesize the argument of interest. You still have to add relevant information to your reference list, though.

Check your professor’s guidelines regarding the preferred citation style.

🔴 Conclusion

In your corruption essay conclusion, you should restate the thesis and summarize your findings. You can also provide recommendations for future research on the topic. Keep it clear and short—it can be one paragraph long.

Don’t forget your references!

Include a list of all sources you used to write this paper. Read the citation guideline of your institution to do it correctly. By the way, some citation tools allow creating a reference list in pdf or Word formats.

💰 Corruption Essay Examples

If you strive to write a good how to stop a corruption essay, you should check a few relevant examples. They will show you the power of a proper outline and headings. Besides, you’ll see how to formulate your arguments and cite sources.

✔️ Essay on Corruption: 250 Words

If you were assigned a short paper of 250 words and have no idea where to start, you can check the example written by our academic experts. As you can see below, it is written in easy words. You can use simple English to explain to your readers the “black money” phenomenon.

Another point you should keep in mind when checking our short essay on corruption is that the structure remains the same. Despite the low word count, it has an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement, body section, and a conclusion.

Now, take a look at our corruption essay sample and inspire!

✔️ Essay on Corruption: 500 Words

Cause and effect essay is among the most common paper types for students. In case you’re composing this kind of paper, you should research the reasons for corruption. You can investigate factors that led to this phenomenon in a particular country.

Use the data from the official sources, for example, Transparency International . There is plenty of evidence for your thesis statement on corruption and points you will include in the body section. Also, you can use headlines to separate one cause from another. Doing so will help your readers to browse through the text easily.

Check our essay on corruption below to see how our experts utilize headlines.

🤑 How to Stop Corruption: Essay Prompts

Corruption is a complex issue that undermines the foundations of justice, fairness, and equality. If you want to address this problem, you can write a “How to Stop Corruption” essay using any of the following topic ideas.

The writing prompts below will provide valuable insights into this destructive phenomenon. Use them to analyze the root causes critically and propose effective solutions.

How to Prevent Corruption Essay Prompt

In this essay, you can discuss various strategies and measures to tackle corruption in society. Explore the impact of corruption on social, political, and economic systems and review possible solutions. Your paper can also highlight the importance of ethical leadership and transparent governance in curbing corruption.

Here are some more ideas to include:

The role of education and public awareness in preventing corruption. In this essay, you can explain the importance of teaching ethical values and raising awareness about the adverse effects of corruption. It would be great to illustrate your essay with examples of successful anti-corruption campaigns and programs.
How to implement strong anti-corruption laws and regulations. Your essay could discuss the steps governments should take in this regard, such as creating comprehensive legislation and independent anti-corruption agencies. Also, clarify how international cooperation can help combat corruption.
Ways of promoting transparency in government and business operations. Do you agree that open data policies, whistleblower protection laws, independent oversight agencies, and transparent financial reporting are effective methods of ensuring transparency? What other strategies can you propose? Answer the questions in your essay.

How to Stop Corruption as a Student Essay Prompt

An essay on how to stop corruption as a student can focus on the role of young people in preventing corruption in their communities and society at large. Describe what students can do to raise awareness, promote ethical behavior, and advocate for transparency and accountability. The essay can also explore how instilling values of integrity and honesty among young people can help combat corruption.

Here’s what else you can talk about:

How to encourage ethical behavior and integrity among students. Explain why it’s essential for teachers to be models of ethical behavior and create a culture of honesty and accountability in schools. Besides, discuss the role of parents and community members in reinforcing students’ moral values.
Importance of participating in anti-corruption initiatives and campaigns from a young age. Your paper could study how participation in anti-corruption initiatives fosters young people’s sense of civic responsibility. Can youth engagement promote transparency and accountability?
Ways of promoting accountability within educational institutions. What methods of fostering accountability are the most effective? Your essay might evaluate the efficacy of promoting direct communication, establishing a clear code of conduct, creating effective oversight mechanisms, holding all members of the educational process responsible for their actions, and other methods.

How to Stop Corruption in India Essay Prompt

In this essay, you can discuss the pervasive nature of corruption in various sectors of Indian society and its detrimental effects on the country’s development. Explore strategies and measures that can be implemented to address and prevent corruption, as well as the role of government, civil society, and citizens in combating this issue.

Your essay may also include the following:

Analysis of the causes and consequences of corruption in India. You may discuss the bureaucratic red tape, weak enforcement mechanisms, and other causes. How do they affect the country’s development?
Examination of the effectiveness of existing anti-corruption laws and measures. What are the existing anti-corruption laws and measures in India? Are they effective? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
Discussion of potential solutions and reforms to curb corruption. Propose practical solutions and reforms that can potentially stop corruption. Also, explain the importance of political will and international cooperation to implement reforms effectively.

Government Corruption Essay Prompt

A government corruption essay can discuss the prevalence of corruption within government institutions and its impact on the state’s functioning. You can explore various forms of corruption, such as bribery, embezzlement, and nepotism. Additionally, discuss their effects on public services, economic development, and social justice.

Here are some more ideas you can cover in your essay:

The causes and manifestations of government corruption. Analyze political patronage, weak accountability systems, and other factors that stimulate corruption. Additionally, include real-life examples that showcase the manifestations of government corruption in your essay.
The impact of corruption on public trust and governance. Corruption undermines people’s trust and increases social inequalities. In your paper, we suggest evaluating its long-term impact on countries’ development and social cohesion.
Strategies and reforms to combat government corruption. Here, you can present and examine the best strategies and reforms to fight corruption in government. Also, consider the role of international organizations and media in advocating for anti-corruption initiatives.

How to Stop Police Corruption Essay Prompt

In this essay, you can explore strategies and reforms to address corruption within law enforcement agencies. Start by investigating the root causes of police corruption and its impact on public safety and trust. Then, propose effective measures to combat it.

Here’s what else you can discuss in your essay:

The factors contributing to police corruption, such as lack of accountability and oversight. Your paper could research various factors that cause police corruption. Is it possible to mitigate their effect?
The consequences of police corruption for community relations and public safety. Police corruption has a disastrous effect on public safety and community trust. Your essay can use real-life examples to show how corruption practices in law enforcement undermine their legitimacy and fuel social unrest.
Potential solutions, such as improved training, transparency, and accountability measures. Can these measures solve the police corruption issue? What other strategies can be implemented to combat the problem? Consider these questions in your essay.

💲 40 Best Topics for Corruption Essay

Another key to a successful essay on corruption is choosing an intriguing topic. There are plenty of ideas to use in your paper. And here are some topic suggestions for your writing:

What is corruption? An essay should tell the readers about the essentials of this phenomenon. Elaborate on the factors that impact its growth or reduce.
How to fight corruption ? Your essay can provide ideas on how to reduce the effects of this problem. If you write an argumentative paper, state your arguments, and give supporting evidence. For example, you can research the countries with the lowest corruption index and how they fight with it.
I say “no” to corruption . This can be an excellent topic for your narrative essay. Describe a situation from your life when you’re faced with this type of wrongdoing.
Corruption in our country. An essay can be dedicated, for example, to corruption in India or Pakistan. Learn more about its causes and how different countries fight with it.
Graft and corruption. We already mentioned the definition of graft. Explore various examples of grafts, e.g., using the personal influence of politicians to pressure public service journalists . Provide your vision of the causes of corruption. The essay should include strong evidence.
Corruption in society. Investigate how the tolerance to “black money” crimes impact economics in developing countries .
How can we stop corruption ? In your essay, provide suggestions on how society can prevent this problem. What efficient ways can you propose?
The reasons that lead to the corruption of the police . Assess how bribery impacts the crime rate. You can use a case of Al Capone as supporting evidence.
Literature and corruption. Choose a literary masterpiece and analyze how the author addresses the theme of crime. You can check a sample paper on Pushkin’s “ The Queen of Spades ”
How does power affect politicians ? In your essay on corruption and its causes, provide your observations on ideas about why people who hold power allow the grafts.
Systemic corruption in China . China has one of the strictest laws on this issue. However, crime still exists. Research this topic and provide your observations on the reasons.
The success of Asian Tigers . Explore how the four countries reduced corruption crime rates. What is the secret of their success? What can we learn from them?
Lee Kuan Yew and his fight against corruption. Research how Singapore’s legislation influenced the elimination of this crime.
Corruption in education. Examine the types in higher education institutions. Why does corruption occur?
Gifts and bribes . You may choose to analyze the ethical side of gifts in business. Can it be a bribe? In what cases?
Cronyism and nepotism in business . Examine these forms of corruption as a part of Chinese culture.
Kickbacks and bribery. How do these two terms are related, and what are the ways to prevent them?
Corporate fraud. Examine the bribery, payoffs, and kickbacks as a phenomenon in the business world. Point out the similarities and differences.
Anti-bribery compliance in corporations. Explore how transnational companies fight with the misuse of funds by contractors from developing countries.
The ethical side of payoffs. How can payoffs harm someone’s reputation? Provide your point of view of why this type of corporate fraud is unethical.
The reasons for corruption of public officials .
Role of auditors in the fight against fraud and corruption.
The outcomes of corruption in public administration .
How to eliminate corruption in the field of criminal justice .
Is there a connection between corruption and drug abuse ?
The harm corruption does to the economic development of countries .
The role of anti-bribery laws in fighting financial crimes.
Populist party brawl against corruption and graft.
An example of incorrigible corruption in business: Enron scandal .
The effective ways to prevent corruption .
The catastrophic consequences of corruption in healthcare .
How regular auditing can prevent embezzlement and financial manipulation.
Correlation between poverty and corruption .
Unethical behavior and corruption in football business.
Corruption in oil business: British Petroleum case.
Are corruption and bribery socially acceptable in Central Asian states?
What measures should a company take to prevent bribery among its employees?
Ways to eliminate and prevent cases of police corruption .
Gift-giving traditions and corruption in the world’s culture.
Breaking business obligations : embezzlement and fraud.

These invaluable tips will help you to get through any kind of essay. You are welcome to use these ideas and writing tips whenever you need to write this type of academic paper. Share the guide with those who may need it for their essay on corruption.

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🔗 References

Public Corruption: FBI, U.S. Department of Justice
Anti-Corruption and Transparency: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
United Nations Convention against Corruption: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Corruption Essay: Cram
How to Construct an Essay: Josh May
Essay Writing: University College Birmingham
Structuring the Essay: Research & Learning Online
Insights from U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre: Medium
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Essay on Corruption for Students and Children

500+ words essay on corruption.

Essay on Corruption – Corruption refers to a form of criminal activity or dishonesty. It refers to an evil act by an individual or a group. Most noteworthy, this act compromises the rights and privileges of others. Furthermore, Corruption primarily includes activities like bribery or embezzlement. However, Corruption can take place in many ways. Most probably, people in positions of authority are susceptible to Corruption. Corruption certainly reflects greedy and selfish behavior.

Methods of Corruption

First of all, Bribery is the most common method of Corruption. Bribery involves the improper use of favours and gifts in exchange for personal gain. Furthermore, the types of favours are diverse. Above all, the favours include money, gifts, company shares, sexual favours, employment , entertainment, and political benefits. Also, personal gain can be – giving preferential treatment and overlooking crime.

Embezzlement refers to the act of withholding assets for the purpose of theft. Furthermore, it takes place by one or more individuals who were entrusted with these assets. Above all, embezzlement is a type of financial fraud.

The graft is a global form of Corruption. Most noteworthy, it refers to the illegal use of a politician’s authority for personal gain. Furthermore, a popular way for the graft is misdirecting public funds for the benefit of politicians .

Extortion is another major method of Corruption. It means to obtain property, money or services illegally. Above all, this obtainment takes place by coercing individuals or organizations. Hence, Extortion is quite similar to blackmail.

Favouritism and nepotism is quite an old form of Corruption still in usage. This refers to a person favouring one’s own relatives and friends to jobs. This is certainly a very unfair practice. This is because many deserving candidates fail to get jobs.

Abuse of discretion is another method of Corruption. Here, a person misuses one’s power and authority. An example can be a judge unjustly dismissing a criminal’s case.

Finally, influence peddling is the last method here. This refers to illegally using one’s influence with the government or other authorized individuals. Furthermore, it takes place in order to obtain preferential treatment or favour.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Ways of Stopping Corruption

One important way of preventing Corruption is to give a better salary in a government job. Many government employees receive pretty low salaries. Therefore, they resort to bribery to meet their expenses. So, government employees should receive higher salaries. Consequently, high salaries would reduce their motivation and resolve to engage in bribery.

Tough laws are very important for stopping Corruption. Above all, strict punishments need to be meted out to guilty individuals. Furthermore, there should be an efficient and quick implementation of strict laws.

Applying cameras in workplaces is an excellent way to prevent corruption. Above all, many individuals would refrain from indulging in Corruption due to fear of being caught. Furthermore, these individuals would have otherwise engaged in Corruption.

The government must make sure to keep inflation low. Due to the rise in prices, many people feel their incomes to be too low. Consequently, this increases Corruption among the masses. Businessmen raise prices to sell their stock of goods at higher prices. Furthermore, the politician supports them due to the benefits they receive.

To sum it up, Corruption is a great evil of society. This evil should be quickly eliminated from society. Corruption is the poison that has penetrated the minds of many individuals these days. Hopefully, with consistent political and social efforts, we can get rid of Corruption.

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Former State Official Indicted, Arrested for School Construction Extortion and Bribery Scheme

Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Robert Fuller, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 22-count indictment charging KONSTANTINOS “KOSTA” DIAMANTIS , 67, of Farmington, with extortion, bribery, conspiracy, and false statement offenses related to his conduct as director of Connecticut’s Office of School Constructions Grants and Review (“OSCGR”), the state agency responsible for the grant administration of all Connecticut public school construction projects seeking state funding.

The indictment (link below) was returned yesterday, and Diamantis was arrested this morning. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish in Hartford, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $500,000 bond.

In addition, three related cases were unsealed today. On May 13, 2024, SALVATORE MONARCA , 53, of Durham, the president and director of Acranom Masonry, Inc. (“Acranom”), a masonry contractor located in Middlefield, and JOHN F. DUFFY , 63, of Westerly, Rhode Island, vice president of Acranom, each pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe Diamantis to obtain masonry contracts on school construction projects. On May 14, 2024, ANTONIETTA ROY , 41, of Plainfield, the owner of Construction Advocacy Professionals, LLC (“CAP”), pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe Diamantis to obtain business as a construction administrator on school construction projects.

The indictment alleges that Diamantis demanded and received bribes from Acranom, Monarca, and Duffy in connection with multi-million dollar school construction projects Diamantis supervised as director of OSCGR. In exchange for those bribes, and promises to pay bribes, Diamantis used his official position to assist Acranom to obtain and maintain contracts to perform masonry work for state-funded school construction project. Diamantis helped Acranom resolve a dispute on phase two of Hartford’s Weaver High School renovation project around 2018; obtain the contract for masonry work on phase four of the same project; and, in and around 2019, obtain the masonry contract for the emergency rebuild of the Birch Grove Primary School in Tolland. In numerous electronic messages recounted in the indictment, Diamantis, Duffy, and Monarca discussed their plan to pay Diamantis in exchange for his official action on behalf of Acranom. Diamantis also demanded payment in exchange for his actions, and threatened to remove Acranom as mason on the Weaver and Birch Grove projects if he was not paid. The indictment also alleges incidents where cash was provided by Acranom to Diamantis.

The indictment further alleges that Diamantis demanded and received bribes from Roy in her capacity as the owner of CAP. In exchange for those bribes, Diamantis used his official position to assist CAP in obtaining contracts to provide construction administrator and related services on state school construction projects, including a 2019 contract on the Birch Grove project in Tolland, a 2019 contract to assist New Britain in obtaining state reimbursement for school construction projects, and a 2019 contract related to the renovation project at Hartford’s Bulkeley High School. Roy paid Diamantis via cash and check, and hired Diamantis’s daughter at an inflated salary.

The indictment also alleges that on three different occasions in 2023, Diamantis made multiple false statements to FBI agents investigating this matter.

“Constructing and renovating schools is an important, and very expensive, endeavor for our state and municipalities, and corruption within a program that manages and funds them adds cost, seriously erodes trust in government, and raises questions about work quality and the potential harms to students and educators in the classroom,” said U.S. Attorney Avery. “This indictment contains allegations of a civil servant who committed multiple felonies, including extorting contractors, demanding and receiving bribes, and repeatedly lying to federal agents investigating his conduct. This kind of criminal behavior can never be tolerated, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our investigative partners will work to uncover it, no matter how long it takes. I thank the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation for their diligent work here. This investigation is ongoing.”

“The depth of deception, collusion, and abuse of power by the defendants in this case, as alleged, is glaring,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller. “The willingness to manipulate contracts and blatantly steal by abusing a position of public trust is intolerable. We have a long history in this state of rooting out corruption and delivering white collar criminals to justice. Today’s arrest further indicates that we are continuing to protect taxpayers from criminal actors.”

“The indictment and arrest of Konstantinos Diamantis demonstrates IRS-CI’s commitment to halting public corruption at the source,” said IRS CI Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis Jr. “Pay to play schemes, such as the alleged scheme orchestrated by Diamantis, Monarca, Duffy, and Roy are not only detrimental to the business community but also the community at large. Unjustly bribing public officials for municipal contracts circumvents the bidding process which can result in subpar construction, delays, and costly overages that directly impact the American taxpayers.”

The indictment charges Diamantis with two counts of extortion and two counts of conspiracy to commit extortion, offenses that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; two counts of bribery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years of each count; two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count; and 14 counts of making false statements, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count.

U.S. Attorney Avery stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Monarca and Roy have agreed to cooperate with the government’s prosecution of this matter.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan N. Francis and David E. Novick.

Jury Selection Begins in Robert Menendez’s Federal Corruption Trial

Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey is accused of participating in an international bribery scheme involving gold bars, cash and a Mercedes-Benz.

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Senator Robert Menendez is seen in a crush of lawyers and photographers outside Federal District Court in Manhattan in March.

By Tracey Tully and Benjamin Weiser

Jury selection for Senator Robert Menendez’s corruption trial started on Monday in a federal courthouse in Manhattan, a 20-mile drive from Mr. Menendez’s home in northern New Jersey, where for decades he has been a well-known Democratic political leader.

His efforts to move the trial to his home turf failed. Jurors picked to decide the case will be from Manhattan, the Bronx or one of several New York counties north of the city.

Prosecutors with the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York have said that they expect to take as many as six weeks to present their case against Mr. Menendez, who is accused of being at the center of an international bribery scheme involving more than $100,000 in gold bullion, an Egyptian halal meat monopoly and a Qatari sheikh.

Mr. Menendez, 70, will be tried with two New Jersey businessmen, Fred Daibes and Wael Hana.

All three sat in the court for more than two hours Monday morning, quietly talking with their lawyers while the judge, Sidney H. Stein, questioned prospective jurors who said they would be unable to serve for the duration of the trial.

The senator appeared relaxed, his hands clasped either at his waist or near his chest, fingers tented.

His wife, Nadine Menendez, 57, was also charged in the bribery scheme but will be tried separately , in July. A judge granted her request for a delay after her lawyers said she had a serious medical condition that required prompt treatment and, possibly, a lengthy recovery.

All four defendants have pleaded not guilty, and Mr. Menendez has said he will be exonerated at trial, leaving open the possibility that he might run for re-election as an independent in November .

Who Are Key Players in the Menendez Case?

Senator Robert Menendez, Democrat of New Jersey, and his wife, Nadine Menendez, are accused of taking part in a wide-ranging, international bribery scheme that lasted five years. Take a closer look at central figures related to the case.

His lawyers have indicated that his defense, at least in part, will be to blame Ms. Menendez , his wife of less than four years . If he chooses to testify, Mr. Menendez would be most likely to outline “the ways in which she withheld information” and “led him to believe that nothing unlawful was taking place,” his lawyers said in court papers.

A key government witness in the trial could be Jose Uribe, another businessman who was charged with Mr. Menendez but who has pleaded guilty and is cooperating with prosecutors. At his guilty plea in March, Mr. Uribe admitted that he gave Ms. Menendez a $60,000 Mercedes-Benz convertible “in return for influencing a United States senator to stop a criminal investigation.”

The case has proceeded relatively quickly to trial ever since the senator and his wife were first charged in September 2023 with conspiring to trade Mr. Menendez’s “influence and power” for an array of bribes, including the luxury car, home mortgage payments, gold bullion and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash.

Here are the central claims outlined by prosecutors, who will be trying to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Mr. Menendez, Mr. Daibes and Mr. Hana participated in a sprawling bribery conspiracy that lasted nearly five years:

Aiding Egypt

Mr. Menendez is charged with using his “influence and power” as a senator in ways that benefited both the government of Egypt and Mr. Hana, an American citizen who emigrated from Egypt and was trying to get a halal meat certification company off the ground in New Jersey.

For example, after meeting with Mr. Hana in May 2018, prosecutors say, Mr. Menendez obtained nonpublic information from the State Department about the number and nationality of employees at the U.S. embassy in Cairo. The information was relayed to an Egyptian official through Ms. Menendez and Mr. Hana. Prosecutors noted that the information was not classified but was considered highly sensitive and could pose “significant operational security concerns” if disclosed.

Mr. Menendez, a former leader of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is also accused of steering weapons and aid to Egypt in exchange for bribes. In May 2018, he secretly helped to write and edit a letter from Egyptian officials who were lobbying other U.S. senators to release $300 million in additional aid, according to the indictment .

Prosecutors also described an effort by Mr. Hana to enlist Mr. Menendez’s help in smoothing over a U.S.-Egyptian dispute during this period. After an American tourist was seriously injured in a mistaken 2015 Egyptian military attack , some members of Congress balked at awarding certain military aid to Egypt, according to the indictment.

In May 2019, prosecutors said an Egyptian official sent a message to Mr. Hana, in Arabic, saying that if Mr. Menendez helped to resolve the matter, “he will sit very comfortably.”

“Orders, consider it done,” Mr. Hana replied, according to the indictment.

A year later, after a meeting with an Egyptian general, Mr. Menendez also urged the State Department to take a more active role in a dispute over a hydroelectric dam Ethiopia was building on the Nile River , prosecutors said. Egypt was opposed to the dam and feared it would cut into the country’s water supply .

Halal meat monopoly

To help Mr. Hana’s business, IS EG Halal, Mr. Menendez pressured a high-level Department of Agriculture official, prosecutors claim. The official had objected to Egypt’s plan to make Mr. Hana’s company the sole entity authorized to certify that meat imported to the country from the United States had been prepared according to Islamic law. (Until then, at least four U.S. companies had divided the work, and the sudden shift caused prices to skyrocket .)

According to the indictment, Mr. Menendez called the official to demand that the U.S.D.A. “stop interfering with IS EG Halal’s monopoly.”

The official refused, but the business arrangement, which the United States had no power to block, remained in place, enabling IS EG Halal to thrive. The company became a conduit for “the bribes being paid” to Mr. Menendez through his wife, according to the indictment.

Prosecutors have said that all of this justified a highly unusual criminal charge: that Mr. Menendez acted as a foreign agent, and that his wife and their co-defendants conspired to put him into that role.

‘Kill and stop all investigation’

Mr. Menendez is also charged with trying to use his clout to quash criminal cases in New Jersey — two involving associates of Mr. Uribe and one against Mr. Daibes, a real estate developer and longtime friend of the senator who had donated to his campaigns.

Mr. Uribe had been implicated in an insurance fraud investigation by the New Jersey attorney general’s office that involved two of his associates, according to the indictment. “The deal is to kill and stop all investigation,” Mr. Uribe wrote to Mr. Hana in April 2018.

Mr. Menendez called and then met in September 2019 with officials from the attorney general’s office in an effort to scuttle the inquiry, according to the indictment. In exchange, Mr. Uribe told a judge at his recent guilty plea, he had provided the Mercedes-Benz to Ms. Menendez in April 2019 and arranged to cover its monthly payments.

Mr. Uribe also admitted in court that he and Ms. Menendez attempted to cover up the scheme by trying to make it appear that the car payments were loans, not bribes. A few days after Mr. Uribe’s guilty plea, Ms. Menendez and the senator were additionally charged with obstruction of justice .

Seeking a new U.S. attorney

Mr. Daibes is accused of giving Mr. Menendez and his wife bribes of furniture, gold bars and cash.

Investigators found 11 gold bars linked to Mr. Daibes during a June 16, 2022, search of the couple’s home. Mr. Daibes’s fingerprints or DNA were also found on 10 envelopes, containing more than $80,000, during the search, according to a court filing.

Less than three months before the search, Ms. Menendez sold two one-kilogram bars of gold that were traced to Mr. Daibes and worth about $120,000, prosecutors have also said.

The payments were provided, in part, in exchange for the senator’s efforts to resolve federal bank fraud charges that Mr. Daibes faces in New Jersey, according to the indictment.

Mr. Daibes was charged in October 2018 with obtaining loans under false pretenses from a bank he had founded years earlier, Mariner’s.

Prosecutors have said that Mr. Menendez tried to have a U.S. attorney for New Jersey installed who might be willing to go easy on Mr. Daibes. That effort failed, but Mr. Menendez twice called the federal prosecutor responsible for overseeing Mr. Daibes’s case, according to the indictment.

Mr. Daibes eventually pleaded guilty to one of the 2018 indictment’s 14 felony counts in an agreement that required no prison time.

Last year, however, after Mr. Daibes was charged in the senator’s corruption case, a federal judge in New Jersey rejected the plea , which he then withdrew. The bank fraud charges are still pending.

Qatar connection

All of this was occurring as Mr. Daibes was preparing to build a high-rise apartment complex along the Hudson River in Edgewater, N.J.

A Chinese company that had been bankrolling the project had pulled out because of delays tied to an environmental cleanup of the parcel, a Superfund site. Interest rates among conventional lenders were climbing, and Mr. Daibes was now accused of bank fraud.

It was Mr. Menendez who helped craft a solution by introducing Mr. Daibes in June 2021 to an investor who was a member of the Qatari royal family , according to the indictment.

Then, as Mr. Daibes was negotiating with the would-be investor, Mr. Menendez issued at least one statement, on Aug. 20, 2021, supportive of Qatar , prosecutors said. (A news release the senator issued that day praised “friends and allies in Qatar” as “ moral exemplars ” for accepting Afghan refugees.)

Mr. Menendez’s comments came at a time when the oil-rich Gulf state was working to repair its image before hosting the 2022 World Cup .

In January 2023, Heritage Advisors , a firm founded by a Qatari sheikh, finalized a $45 million shared ownership agreement for the Edgewater project with a company controlled by Mr. Daibes, New Jersey property records show.

Mr. Daibes gave Mr. Menendez “at least one gold bar” after a draft of the real estate deal was firmed up, prosecutors said.

Mr. Menendez’s lawyers have said the allegations related to Qatar are baseless.

In a legal filing, they have argued that prosecutors ignored statements by the investment company’s chief operating officer that indicated the partnership had nothing to do with the senator’s support.

An official with the Qatari investment firm told prosecutors in December 2023 that the company considered the high-rise complex a “trophy project” because it faced the Manhattan skyline. The investors also said that they were able to negotiate favorable terms because Mr. Daibes was “unbankable,” leaving him few lending options, according to a filing last month by Avi Weitzman, one of Mr. Menendez’s lawyers.

“The decision to invest in the Edgewater development project,” Mr. Weitzman wrote, “had nothing to do with Senator Menendez or the government of Qatar.”

Tracey Tully is a reporter for The Times who covers New Jersey, where she has lived for more than 20 years. More about Tracey Tully

Benjamin Weiser is a Times reporter covering the federal courts and U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan, and the justice system more broadly. More about Benjamin Weiser

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Nigeria has detained a journalist who reported on corruption in a widening crackdown

Emmanuel Akinwotu

Daniel Ojukwu is an investigative journalist in Nigeria. Foundation for Investigative Journalism hide caption

Daniel Ojukwu is an investigative journalist in Nigeria.

LAGOS, Nigeria — An investigative journalist in Nigeria has been arrested by police and held without charge for over a week, leading to growing fears for his safety. His case has also ignited criticism from media and advocacy groups on the worsening climate for independent journalism in Africa's most populous country.

Police arrested 26-year-old Daniel Ojukwu on May 1 in Lagos. He was reported missing the following day by his colleagues at Nigeria's Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), after friends and family were unable to reach him by phone. FIJ hired private investigators who found his last location before he was arrested, leading journalists to demand answers from Nigerian police.

Police only confirmed his detention on Sunday, days after moving him to the capital, Abuja, where he has been accused of violating the Cybercrime Act, a controversial law that gives the Nigerian government broad powers to regulate perceived online offenses. It has been criticized by Amnesty International as a means of punishing journalists and undermining the right to freedom of speech.

The detention follows investigative reporting by Ojukwu and colleagues revealing corruption implicating senior Nigerian officials. A presidency official, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who was tasked with achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, allegedly ordered the transfer of more than $106,000 of government funds to a restaurant in the capital, according to Ojukwu's reporting. The funds had been budgeted for the creation of a school building and learning center but, according to Ojukwu's report , the facilities were never created. Orelope-Adefulire has not responded to the allegations.

Fisayo Soyombo, the founder of FIJ, described Ojuwku's arrest — two days before the May 3 World Press Freedom Day — as an "abduction." "I use this word very carefully because they never invited him to address concerns about the story in question. Instead, they tracked him, picked him and held him," he said.

As of Wednesday, a week after he was taken, Nigerian police had not interrogated Ojukwu on the story he produced, or questioned him for any alleged crime, Soyombo said, adding that FIJ made contact with Ojukwu on Sunday by phone. "All they have done is dump him in a cell." Police did not respond to NPR's requests for comment.

Ojukwu's arrest was a further sign of the "horrible" climate for independent journalism in Nigeria.

"If a journalist can be abducted because of that story, I think anyone in doubt can see clearly that Nigeria currently runs a pretend democracy," Soyombo said.

Soyombo is also being investigated by police for reporting in February that revealed alleged collusion between senior Nigerian police, customs officials and smugglers, in the movement of arms and food items across Nigeria's border with Benin. A member of FIJ's board was then questioned by Nigerian police in April, the organization said.

On Wednesday, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) released a statement urging authorities in Nigeria to "immediately release journalist Daniel Ojukwu and stop intimidating and arresting members of the press who investigate the government's spending of public funds."

"The Nigerian police's investigation into such a reputable media outlet demonstrates the alarming extent to which they are willing to go to silence journalists seeking to expose crime," said Angela Quintal, head of CPJ's Africa program.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, elects Bola Tinubu as the new president

Ojukwu's case is the latest in a growing number of arrests of journalists over the last year under President Bola Tinubu's government. Last month, another journalist, Segun Olatunji, was arrested and detained for two weeks by the Nigerian military, following a report revealing alleged corruption by the president's chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. He was released last week without charge and told local media he had been stripped, blindfolded and detained by officers.

Various media groups in Nigeria, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, released a joint statement urging the government to stop using "repressive tactics." Nigeria is one of West Africa's most dangerous and difficult countries for journalists, who are regularly monitored, attacked and arbitrarily arrested, according to Reporters Without Borders , which ranked Nigeria 112th out of 180 countries for press freedom.

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Essay on Government Corruption Over the last few years, the issue of corruption--the abuse of public office for private gain--has attracted renewed interest, both among academics and policymakers. There are a number of reasons why this topic has come under recent inspection. Corruption scandals have toppled governments in
Essay on Corruption for Students and Children
Essay on Corruption - Corruption refers to a form of criminal activity or dishonesty. It refers to an evil act by an individual or a group. Most noteworthy, this act compromises the rights and privileges of others. Furthermore, Corruption primarily includes activities like bribery or embezzlement. However, Corruption can take place in many ways.
Corruption Essay In English
Essay on Government Corruption. Over the last few years, the issue of corruption--the abuse of public office for private gain--has attracted renewed interest, both among academics and policymakers. There are a number of reasons why this topic has come under recent inspection. Corruption scandals have toppled governments in both major ...
5 Takeaways From the First Week of Robert Menendez's Corruption Trial
Here are five takeaways from Mr. Menendez's first week of trial: Jurors get to hold one kilogram of gold. The government's first witness, Aristotelis Kougemitros, an F.B.I. special agent, took ...
Former State Official Indicted, Arrested for School Construction
"Constructing and renovating schools is an important, and very expensive, endeavor for our state and municipalities, and corruption within a program that manages and funds them adds cost, seriously erodes trust in government, and raises questions about work quality and the potential harms to students and educators in the classroom," said U ...
Haiti's Gangs Grow Stronger as Kenyan-Led Force Prepares to Deploy
The government of Mr. Martelly, who served as president from 2011 to 2016, was accused of rampant corruption, including misappropriation of aid worth about $2 billion from Venezuela.
Jury Selection Begins in Robert Menendez's Federal Corruption Trial
Jury selection for Senator Robert Menendez's corruption trial started on Monday in a federal courthouse in Manhattan, a 20-mile drive from Mr. Menendez's home in northern New Jersey, where for ...
The Supreme Court Just Handed Another Loss to Congress
We ought to be left a tad uneasy by Thursday's 7-2 Supreme Court decision upholding the mechanism for funding the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The result isn't wrong, and should even ...
Vietnam's Top Security Official To Lam Confirmed as President
Trong is an ideologue who views corruption as the gravest threat facing the party. As Vietnam's top security official, Lam has led Trong's sweeping anti-graft campaign.
Nigeria detains journalist Daniel Ojukwu who reported on corruption
Nigeria has detained a journalist who reported on corruption in a widening crackdown. Daniel Ojukwu is an investigative journalist in Nigeria. LAGOS, Nigeria — An investigative journalist in ...