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Corruption: The Most Perpetrated and Least Prosecuted Crime


Bribing multinationals to enter foreign markets goes largely unpunished, and compensation for victims is rare, according to a new report. Credit: Ashwath Hedge/Wikimedia Commons
  • by Baher Kamal (Maroc)
  • Associated Press Service

“Corruption attacks the foundations of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, distorting the rule of law, and creating bureaucratic quagmire whose sole reason for existence is to bribe revealed.”

Such a widespread ‘disease’ continues to be exported more and more by businesses of leading trading nations such as report of the United Nations on the occasion of 2022 International anti-corruption day December 9.

Corruption weakens and shrinks democracy, an ever-expanding phenomenon (See IPS Thalif Deen‘S: The Decline and Fall of Democracy around the World).

Such a shocking reality – properly defined as “criminal”, – occurs not only in the wake of conflict but is often one of its root causes.

“It promotes conflict and impedes peace processes by undermining the rule of law, exacerbating poverty, facilitating the illicit use of resources, and financing armed conflict. page,” as highlighted on this year’s World Day.

Corruption sparks war

Corruption has a negative impact on all aspects of society and is deeply intertwined with conflict and instability that jeopardizes economic and social development and undermines democratic institutions and the rule of law. United Nations. warning.

Indeed, “economic development is stifled because foreign direct investment is discouraged and domestic small businesses often find it impossible to overcome the necessary “start-up costs” due to corruption.”

Forced by private enterprises

It is perhaps vain to say that corruption is a common practice in all areas of private enterprise.

In fact, in some industrialized countries, it is occasionally reported that the facades of hospitals and schools are unequipped, inaugurated by politicians before their election campaigns. .

Incredibly, so many of the politicians involved are punished proportionately, if at any time, after an extremely long and virtually fruitless legal process.

Disproportionate impact

For your part, the World Bank consider Corruption is a major challenge to the two goals of ending extreme poverty by 2030 and promoting shared prosperity for the poorest 40% of people in developing countries.

“Corruption has a disproportionate impact on the poor and the most vulnerable, increasing costs and reducing access to services, including health, education and justice.”

International Bank explain Corruption in the procurement of drugs and medical equipment increases costs and can lead to substandard or harmful products.

“The human costs of counterfeit drugs and vaccinations on health outcomes and the long-term impact on children far outweigh the financial costs. Informal payments for services can have a particularly pernicious effect on the poor.”

Exporting bribes

A global movement working in more than 100 countries to end the injustice of corruption: international transparencyfocuses on issues that have the greatest impact on people’s lives and holds the power to address the common good, revealing additional findings.

Its report: Corruption exports 2022: Top trading nations do even less than before to prevent foreign bribery. “Our globalized world means that companies can do business across borders – often for the benefit of society. But what if the expensive new bridge in your city was built by an incompetent foreign company?

“Or if your electricity bill was criminally inflated by a behind-the-scenes business deal? The chances of this are higher if you live in a country with high levels of government corruption.”

Officials who demand or accept bribes from foreign companies are not the only culprits of corruption. Multinational companies – usually based in Countries with low levels of public sector corruption – are all equally responsible.”

Twenty-five years ago, the international community agreed that trading nations had an obligation to punish companies that bribe foreign officials to win government contracts, mining licenses and permits. other transactions – in other words engaging in foreign bribery. However, few countries have kept up with their commitments, it added.

Everyone is complicit

“Most of the most costly forms of corruption in the world would not be possible without institutions in rich countries: private sector companies giving large bribes, financial institutions taking money. corrupt and lawyers, bankers and accountants who facilitate corrupt transactions.” warning international Bank.

International financial flows data shows money is moving from poor countries to rich countries in ways that fundamentally undermine development, the world financial institution said. report.

Worse than ever…

Transparency International report, Export of corruption 2022evaluates the performance of 47 leading global exporters, including 43 signatories to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Anti-Bribery Convention, in cracking down on foreign bribery of companies from their own country.

“The results are worse than ever.”

© Inter Press Service (2022) — All rights reservedOrigin: Inter Press Service

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