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Archived Articles on Corruption - Nations and States - Global Policy Forum Archived Articles
Corruption
2001
Back to Current Articles | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 Former Bosnian UN Envoy Accused of Financial Fraud (September 6, 2001)
The former UN ambassador and foreign minister, Muhamed Sacirbey, is accused by the Bosnian financial police of having diverted funds allocated to defense training to his personal bank account at Chase Manhattan Bank in New York during the war in Bosnia. (Washington Post)Global Forum to Mull Corruption Law (May 24, 2001)
Ministers and experts from all over the world will convene the second Global Forum on Corruption in The Hague. Hopefully, the ministers will issue a final Declaration including new legal remedies. (Agence France Presse)Global Campaign for Participatory Urban Governance (April 5, 2001)
Transparency International has joined the UN Center for Human Settlements to campaign for "Integrity Pacts." These instruments would promote government transparency and accountability, and curb international and national corruption.Report of the Secretary-General on the Analysis of Existing International Instruments and Recommendations Against Corruption (April 2, 2001)
For the tenth session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, the Secretary General analyses relevant instruments and recommendations to fight against corruption.Heroines in a Global Crusade Against Corruption (March 5, 2001)
International Herald Tribune describes the path of two women, one French and one Columbian, who decided to defy corrupted power.Bribery and Corruption Still Rampant in Global Arms Trade (March 2001)
The secrecy of the arms market facilitates bribery and corruption. “If the US wants to fight global corruption in arms, then it needs to review its dominant position in the world market”, says the Earth Times .UN Highlights Cooperation to Combat Organized Crime (January 31, 2001)
UN Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention stresses the Palermo Convention to prevent bureaucratic inertia and increase multi-lateral cooperation to combat organized crime. (UN News)
Back to Current Articles | 2001 | 2000 | 1999
Privatization and ‘Reforms’ Spread Corruption (July 5, 2000)
Someshwar Singh argues that World Bank and IMF policies have led to a rise in global corruption, enabling transnational corporations to pay bribes to the tune of $80 billion a year - roughly the amount needed to eradicate global poverty according to the UN. (Third World Network)Corruption: A Necessary Evil? (December 1, 2000)
The Johannesburg Mail examines the feasibility of ending the practice of corruption worldwide.A City Ruled by Crime (November 2000)
This article in the ( Far Eastern Economic Review) examines how deeply corruption in today's China is threatening the fabric of the state.Politics Undermines China's Crackdown on Corruption (November 9, 2000)
There are fears that corruption in China could reduce global confidence in its leaders, obstruct its economic reform, scare off investors and even affect its preparations to join the World Trade Organization. (Nando Times)Scandals Sully Indonesian Leader's Reform Image (November 8, 2000)
With speculations that the president himself might be involved in the corruption scandal, it would be difficult for him to pressure his Parliament to pass the legal reforms needed to crack down on corruption. (New York Times)Corruption Versus Poor Wages in Zambia ( November 2, 2000)
This article examines how low salary levels in some developing countries can undermine anti-corruption campaigns. (Oneworld.org )Malawi's Limos Prompt Aid Corruption Clampdown (October 30, 2000)
Why would any government spend money (aid) meant for feeding, educating and providing health care for its impoverished, on luxury cars? (Guardian)Depth of Corruption Surfacing in Yugoslavia (October 22, 2000)
Officials in the new government say they suspect that billions of dollars in ill-gotten gains have been taken out of the country as evidence shows a web of illegal financial transactions. (Washington Post)Bribes Eroding Democracy, Warns Transparency International.(October, 2000)
Payments of bribes to political parties in some of the world's most developed, democratic countries as well as in the developing and former eastern European states is undermining democratic institutions.The OECD Convention has moved a step forward in helping solve the problem.(Inter Press)
Corruption in the Philippines (October 16, 2000)
Philippine President Estrada was accused last week of receiving payments from a gambling syndicate. If he is impeached and the Vice-President takes on the presidency, the US may gain a strong foothold through "a new strategic relationship" due to the Philippines' fear of China's strength in the region. (Stratfor.com)Bribery Scandal Singes Argentine Anti-Grant Crusader (October 11, 2000)
Only 10 months in office and President de la Rua faces a crisis of confidence as a corruption fighter! (Washington Post)Extravagant Evil and the IMF (October 8, 2000)
Michela Wrong's "In the Footsteps of Mr. Kurtz" incriminates the ‘readiness’ of the IMF – under pressure from its Western shareholders – to lend money to corrupt governments, ultimately creating today’s terrible debt situation, says this book review from the New York Times.IMF, World Bank Face Tough Questions on Corruption (October 2, 2000)
The lending policies of the Bretton Woods institutions come under fire as critics assert that they gave out money to corrupt governments without sufficient monitoring, notably in the case of Russia in 1998. (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)Chirac is Implicated in £500,000 Bribe Scandal (September 22, 2000)
In 1996, Jean-Claude Mery, an official in the Paris administration stated – on videotape – that the former mayor of Paris, Jacques Chirac, received kickbacks on public contracts while in office. The tape was to be released after his death. One year after Mery’s death in 1999, the tape has been published, creating an uproar in France. (Independent)Transparency International Releases the Year 2000 Corruption Perceptions Index (September 13, 2000)
The NGO Transparency International released a ‘survey of surveys’ to determine the subjective amount of corruption in 90 countries from all five continents. Nigeria and Yugoslavia top the list, while Finland and Denmark are the least corrupt.India Unfazed over IMF Corruption Index Move (August 26, 2000)
The IMF wants to withhold loans to countries where corruption is rampant. This editorial from the Indian Economic Times wonders about the possible ramifications of this plan.Suharto Is Formally Charged With Corruption (August 4, 2000)
Yet another corrupt former-official uses ill health as an excuse in facing the music of his trial. However, with 100 witnesses, including three of his six children, will justice prevail? The former President of Indonesia allegedly funneled US$150 million through tax-free charitable foundations. The 50,000 rupiah bill that bears Suharto’s image is to be replaced. (New York Times)Six World Bank Officials Indicted In Nigeria Fraud Case (August 7, 2000)
Buying old tractors for the price of new ones, six World Bank officials are accused of favoring UK and Japanese supply companies in a Nigerian fraud case. Diplomatic immunity was the excuse for the six not appearing before a Nigerian government panel. (Pan African News Agency)Are Foreign Investors and Multinationals Engaging in Corrupt Practices in Transition Economies? (July 2000)
Do TNCs behave any different from domestic corporations when it comes to corruption, kickbacks and pressuring governments? This World Bank study looks at transition economies and what policymakers can do to enforce good corporate behaviour.
An excellent briefing paper from The Corner House which explores privatization, the role of multinationals in corruption practices and bribes from not only southern nations as might be expected, but by leading northern countries as well.Russian Leader Faces £3bn Questions (July 25, 2000)
The case of the vanishing billions, $4.8 billion of an IMF loan to Russia to be exact. Russian Prime Minister, Mikhail Kasyanov, has allegedly been a key player in funneling these funds into American bank accounts after the 1998 Russian financial crisis. (Times, London)Bashar's Bluff (July 25, 2000)
Syrian President Bashar Assad picks on two Syrian ministers. They have been charged with corruption, and President Bashar has charged himself as a glorious anti-corruption economic reformer. However, economic changes will be slow coming if Syrian elites don’t heed this example and clean up their own act.(Stratfor.com)Russian Moguls Cry Uncle as Putin Puts Squeeze On (July 25, 2000)>
Russian President Vladimir Putin is making his best effort to expose corrupt business leaders. “Some prominent business people, however, warn that the campaign is generating fear and uncertainty and could plunge the country into a new round of political turmoil.” (Christian Science Monitor)West's Blind Eye Opens to Third World Corruption (July 13, 2000)
Except for the notable examples of Transparency International and Global Witness, western eyes have been deflected from ongoing corruption practices in Africa and other developing countries. Fortunately, the trend is changing within Africa's civil society supported by western research initiatives. (The Guardian)The Dilemma of Russia's Anti-Corruption Campaign (July 13, 2000)
Russian President Vladimir Putin valiantly charged ahead with a program to expose corruption among top Russian corporations. Unfortunately, as the investigations widen, many of Putin's top political allies are being implicated. Will Putin surrender his cronies? (Stratfor)Disclose Extent of African Bribes by France's State Oil Company (July 12, 2000)
Global Witness calls on France and Liechtenstein to immediately investigate and disclose the extent of bribes by Elf-Aquitaine to African leaders which have been diverted to accounts in Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein was black listed by the OECD this week as a tax haven and “dirty” money center.The Lesotho Highland Water Development Project - What Went Wrong? (July 10, 2000)
Nicholas Hildyard of the Corner House examines "what went right" for corporations and the benefactors, particularly the World Bank, of the Lesotho Water Development Project. (50 Years Is Enough Network )Congressional Report Says Corruption Is Stifling Bosnia (July 7, 2000)
Crime and corruption are ubiquitous in Bosnia and may threaten the success of the Dayton peace accord. Under the accord, US troops cannot withdraw unless significant advances are made in curbing graft and corruption. (New York Times)Familiar Foe for Mexico's New Leader: Corruption (July 6, 2000)
Mexico's brand new president-elect Vicente Fox Quesada, has declared that fighting corruption is one of his top priorities. Yes, most Mexican leaders tout this praiseworthy notion, but none have ever proposed such an ambitious plan as President Quesada's. (The New York Times)A Scandal That Could Topple Kenya's Shaky Democracy (June 17, 2000)
Nairobi has become known for endemic corruption under Daniel arap Moi. Nothing illustrates the extensive reach of corruption like the Goldenberg scandal, "the longest-running and most egregious case of massive high-level corruption in Kenya's history."(The Boston Globe)Israel's President, Accused of Finance Misdealing, Will Resign (May 28, 2000)
In the wake of a report detailing his acceptance of $300,000 in unreported cash gifts by two businessmen a decade ago, President Ezer Weizman will resign his post. He was remarkably candid about the affair stating, "They didn't want me because of my pretty eyes. They wanted me because of what I was, and what they hoped that I would be." (New York Times)Loot Recovery in Nigeria (May 25, 2000)
According to the President of the Nigerian Democratic Movement, Mobolaji E. Aluko, as much as US$ 98.8 billion has been stashed away by Nigerian officials and cronies. Aluko boldly charges that the “debt-buy-back schemes were in fact avenues for loot acquisition” for Western Banks, implicating not only Nigerians, but Western donors as well in the multi layered corruption in Nigeria.Scandals Darken Korean Summit (May 16, 2000)
Two South Korean scandals may negatively affect the summit between North Korea and South Korea scheduled for June. Firstly, love letters from a South Korean defense minister to a US lobbyist for a Texas based US armaments firm. Additionally, there is suspected corruption among officials and national assembly members regarding the TGV railroad project linking Seoul with Pusan.(The Guardian)China's Ruling Communist Party Expels Senior Official Accused of Graft (April 20, 2000)
Following through on a campaign to root out corruption, the Communist party, in an attempt to legitimize communist rule in the eyes of the public, has turned a critical lense in on its own high-level officials. (Associated Press)Uganda Leads In Fight Against Corruption (April 15, 2000)
A UN report on global corruption noting that up to $30 billion in aid for Africa has ended up in foreign bank accounts, promotes public disclosure of financial records as a method of fighting corruption. Recent steps taken by Uganda are seen as a promising example. (New Vision - Kampala)The Prince and His Black Sheep: This is No Liechtenstein Fairy Tale (April 8, 2000)
Money hidden in Liechtenstein banks has been linked to the Sicilian Mafia, Latin American drug lords, Russian gangs, and most recently, the campaign donation scandal involving former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. (New York Times)UN Says Graft Foils Eradication of Poverty (April 7, 2000)
Though a senior UN official states that corruption is the most significant hurdle to eliminating poverty in China, a recent government campaign to crackdown on smuggling and punish corrupt government officials is seen as promising. (South China Morning Post / Reuters)
Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl before a television interview Dec. 16, 1999. (Associated Press photo)
Kohl's Christian-Democrat Scandals (April 2000)
Article from Le Monde Diplomatique discusses CDU's hopes of surviving the damage of the Kohl affair through efforts promoting the election of Angelika Merkel, the only candidate for party leadership.China Executes Senior Official for Graft (March 29, 2000)
Former vice provincial governor of China, Hu Changqing, was executed for taking more than $650,000 in bribes. The severe punishment of this senior official serves as a caution to the party's leading members. (Reuters)Corruption in Japan's Civil Service (March 28, 2000)
A bureaucrat from the Ministry of Agriculture has been arrested on bribery charges that he accepted almost $18,700 from an agricultural cooperative in return for helping it to secure government subsidies. (Associated Press)Mexico's Ruling Party Accused of Diverting Public Money (March 27, 2000)
A two-year investigation has unveiled evidence that leaders of Mexico's governing Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) engaged in schemes to divert millions of dollars through dummy bank accounts. (New York Times)China Confirms Corruption Inquiry of Party Aide (March 5, 2000)
Cheng Kejie, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, is under investigation "in relation to his economic interests", said a spokesman. (New York Times)Corruption Charges Swirling Around Japanese Premier (February 20, 2000)
Scandal is unraveling around the current Prime Minister of Japan, Keizo Obuchi, who allegedly, through the use of insider information, acquired stock in a telecommunications company that later skyrocketed in value. (New York Times)World Bank Debars Firms (February 17, 2000)
The World Bank's Sanctions Committee debars 29 firms and 7 individuals for their engagement in corrupt practices in connection with Bank-financed projects in Nigeria.Head of Germany's Moderate Right Party Quits (February 17, 2000)
As uproar over party corruption grows, Wolfgang Schäuble resigns as leader of Germany's CDU stating that "the crisis of the Christian Democratic Union must not be permitted to become a crisis in our democracy". (New York Times)Big Kickbacks Under Kohl Reported (February 7, 2000)
Prosecutors estimate that more than $70 million was illegally paid in kickbacks to middlemen on the sales of tanks and an oil refinery during the rule of Helmut Kohl. (New York Times)Kohl Party Reports More Moving of Money (January 28, 2000)
A regional branch of the German conservative party stashed more than $16 million in foreign bank accounts to evade tax and party-financing laws. Gains from investments that were retransferred to party accounts were disguised as ‘bequests by grateful Jews’. (New York Times)Barak's Party Investigated and Fined for Its Finances (January 28, 2000)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak's party was fined and placed under criminal investigation after the state comptroller issued an account of violations of campaign finance laws during the 1999 elections. (New York Times)Israeli Report Links Illegal Contributions to Barak's Campaign (January 27, 2000)
An article from Nando Media about the widening investigaion into Prime Minister Barak's campaign Funding.German CDU Unearths More Secret Cash in Scandal (January 27, 2000)
A regional branch of Germany's opposition Christian Democrats has uncovered millions of marks more cash transferred into secret accounts abroad in the 1980s than previously admitted to. (Reuters)Mitterrand 'Gave £10m to Kohl' (January 24, 2000)
For the good of Europe, as an close friend of the late François Mitterand put it, the Socialist French president helped fund the election campaign of his buddy, Conservative German chancellor Helmut Kohl in 1994. (Guardian)Construction and Arms Industries Seen as Leading International Bribe-Payers (January 20, 2000)
Report by Transparency International based on an extensive survey by Gallup International.U.S. Leans on Foreign Government For Trade (January 21, 2000)
"The U.S. government often exploits its superpower status to cajole foreign governments into granting lucrative business contracts to American corporations." (Associated Press)Israel Opens Criminal Case Over Payments to Weizman (January 21, 2000)
A criminal investigation was launched into possible tax evasion by Israli Presiden Ezer Weizman. (New York Times)Suicide of a Party Official Is Tied to German Scandal (January 21, 2000)
The suicide of Wolfgang Hüllen, head of finance and budget to the Christian Democratic Union for the last 18 years, occured after he became become aware of acts of embezzlement within the CDU. (New York Times)Kohl Resigns From German Party Post (January 18, 2000)
Helmut Kohl resigns as honorary chairman of Germany's Christian Democrats after 25 years, refusing to identify donors to clear up his campaign funding scandal. (Associated Press )A German-Canadian Fights Extradition: He's a Key Figure in Kohl Case (January 12, 2000)
An article presenting new links in the Kohl corruption investigation.
(New York Times)Kohl, a Stubborn Statesman, May Be Wrecking His Party (January 12, 2000)
An article from the New York Times discussing how Kohl's obstinacy in the corruption investigation may be hurting his party.The Strange Case of Russia, Big Oil and the CIA (January 9, 2000)
The US Import-Export Bank's loan of $500 million to a Russian Oil Co. raises questions concerning corruption and ethical policy making. (Washington Post)Israeli President Resists Calls to Quit Over Scandal (January 5, 2000)
An article from the London Guardian about the scandal behind Israeli President Ezer Weizman's acceptance of large cash gifts from a long-time friend.
Back to Current Articles | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 Reducing Audits of the Wealthy, IRS Turns Eye on Working Poor (December 15, 1999)
New York Times article discussing the IRS' new focus on investigating the working poor. irs.htm">Reducing Audits of the Wealthy, IRS Turns Eye on Working Poor (December 15, 1999)
New York Times article discussing the IRS' new focus on investigating the working poor.A Crude Awakening (December 5, 1999)
A Global Witness report discussing "How Angolan State corruption and the lack of oil company and banking transparency has contributed to Angola's humanitarian and development catastrophe."Kohl Admits Using Secret Bank Funds to Aid Party (December 1, 1999)
Accepting illegal political contributions, Germany's Chancellor of 16 years may have been selling influence to business groups. (New York Times)World: Anti-Corruption Group Widens Focus (October 27, 1999)
There is much talk about stopping government corruption. One private organization thinks it has a way to raise public awareness of the problem by scoring countries on their behavior. (Radio Free Europe)
Current Articles on Money Laundering and Corruption
