The Impact of Corruption on Society and Economy: A Global Perspective

Corruption diverts 5% of the world's Gross Domestic Product, amounting to 4 trillion dollars annually. According to the International Monetary Fund, between 1.5 to 2 trillion dollars are paid in bribes each year.

57% of Peruvians view corruption as the country's main issue, surpassing concerns about public safety, unemployment, and education. This perception is based on a recent Ipsos-Apoyo survey.

The last five presidents of Peru have either been imprisoned, investigated, or fugitives due to corruption charges. This trend has raised concerns both domestically and internationally.

Corruption in Peru has deep historical, systemic, and structural roots dating back to the colonial era. The colonial legacy of clientelism and favoritism in power structures has perpetuated corrupt practices over time.

Corruption manifests in everyday acts involving small amounts of money as well as grand corruption where powerful individuals embezzle vast sums, impacting fundamental rights of vulnerable citizens. Examples include cases of embezzlement by former leaders like Mubarak, Yanukóvich, and Najib.

The World Bank estimates that one trillion dollars are evaded in taxes annually due to corruption. This massive amount of money, if properly utilized, could address global issues like hunger, healthcare, education, and access to clean water.

Corruption has a direct impact on human lives, leading to tragic consequences. For example, in Bangladesh, 1600 textile workers died when a building collapsed due to bribery in construction. Similarly, in Peru, two young individuals were locked in a container and died in a fire because an inspector was bribed. Additionally, over 400 people died in an illegal fireworks market explosion due to corruption. These incidents highlight how corruption directly results in loss of life and suffering.

Corruption exacerbates poverty levels in countries. For instance, in Equatorial Guinea, despite being rich in oil, two-thirds of the population live in extreme poverty, with less than $0.70 a day. The son of the president was found with $16 million in cash, watches, and jewelry, believed to be stolen from the country's resources. In Peru, statistics show that one in five Peruvians live in poverty, with billions of soles being embezzled, equivalent to a significant portion of the national budget. The impact of corruption on poverty is evident and alarming.

Corruption in Peru is widespread and deeply entrenched. Reports indicate that billions of soles were stolen through corrupt practices, amounting to a substantial percentage of the national budget. The Presidential Commission on Integrity revealed alarming figures of corruption in the country, with thousands of public officials being criminally charged for corruption offenses. Shockingly, a large percentage of governors and mayors are either in prison or facing legal proceedings for corruption-related cases. The scale of corruption in Peru is staggering and poses a significant challenge to address.

Corruption in Peru is attributed to a series of inadequate practices that have led to the current situation. Changing the fatalistic and cynical attitude towards corruption, transitioning to a culture of integrity, and implementing effective prevention and prosecution policies can bring about significant change.

Hong Kong, once considered highly corrupt, significantly reduced corruption by establishing an anti-corruption commission focused on prevention, education, and breaking corrupt routines. Botswana in sub-Saharan Africa effectively managed corruption by distributing wealth, controlling public corruption levels, and ranking 34th out of 180 countries globally.

The Central Reserve Bank and the National Superintendence of Tax Administration in Peru exemplify institutions that have maintained high levels of integrity and transparency. These institutions established a culture of integrity that transcended political changes, showcasing the possibility of substantial change through leadership, integrity, and appropriate policies.

Peru is currently facing a significant corruption crisis, marked by the downfall of a democratically elected government, investigations into organized crime leading to the resignation of high-ranking officials, and unprecedented crises in key institutions like the judiciary and public prosecutor's office. The recent court order to return a former president to prison further underscores the depth of the corruption issues in the country.

The main opposition leader in Peru was detained this week on charges of receiving corrupt funds to finance her electoral campaign.

The current crisis in Peru presents a significant opportunity for change. It has been likened to a train metaphor, emphasizing the importance of seizing the moment to make a difference.

Corruption is not solely a problem of the public sector. The private sector, with its accumulated technology, innovation, knowledge, and resources, can play a crucial role in combating corruption by promoting a culture of integrity and compliance.

Citizens must reduce or eliminate their tolerance for corruption, moving away from indifference and resignation. By expressing indignation, mobilizing, scrutinizing public officials, and voting responsibly, individuals can make a substantial difference in combating corruption and building a more just society.