Explainer 455: Mauritius’s money-laundering prime minister 

The Nature of Political Corruption

All forms of political corruption are inherently negative, particularly for public officials who manage taxpayer funds. While lower-level officials may sometimes succumb to temptations due to financial pressures and less scrutiny, the corruption seen at the highest levels of government is perplexing. High-ranking officials typically enjoy relative financial stability and significant public attention, making it unlikely that they would blatantly engage in corrupt activities without significant consequences. Case studies of former leaders like Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak highlight the extreme risks associated with such behavior, where substantial wealth was acquired under suspicious circumstances, ultimately leading to severe legal penalties.