Korrupsionit

Korrupsionit, commonly translated as corruption, refers to the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It can take place in both public institutions and the private sector and includes activities such as bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, patronage, influence peddling, and procurement fraud. Though often hidden, korrupsionit can be investigated through audits, whistleblower reports, and comparative indicators that track governance and integrity.

Forms and mechanisms include bribery, kickbacks, embezzlement, tax evasion, money laundering, procurement manipulation, and favoritism. In some cases, corruption is systemic, embedded in routines, norms, and political incentives that reward illicit behavior.

Causes and risk factors include weak rule of law, limited transparency and accountability, inadequate salaries in public service, political patronage, fragmented oversight, insufficient civil society engagement, and high levels of discretion in public procurement.

Impacts are broad: they erode public trust, distort markets, deter investment, divert resources from essential services, amplify inequality, and threaten democratic legitimacy. The costs also include weaker service delivery and higher transaction costs for citizens and businesses.

Prevention and governance measures involve increasing transparency and accountability, strengthening anti-corruption agencies, enforcing procurement rules, improving asset disclosure and conflict-of-interest rules, protecting whistleblowers, and promoting independent audits. International cooperation and adherence to treaties such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) are common components of national strategies.

Measurement and assessment rely on indicators such as the Corruption Perceptions Index and other governance metrics produced by organisations like Transparency International and the World Bank. While useful, these measures have limitations and should be interpreted in context alongside domestic data and qualitative assessments.