Financial Crime World

The Devastating Effects of Corruption in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Introduction

Corruption is a complex issue that affects not only individuals but also entire societies. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, corruption has become a major obstacle to economic and social development, hindering equal access to public services and eroding trust in state institutions.

The Prevalence of Corruption

  • Corruption has devastating effects: Corruption hinders equal access to public services, affects public trust in state institutions, and is a hurdle to economic and social development.
  • Complex crime with blurred boundaries: Corruption is often difficult to distinguish between culprit and victim, as both sides may benefit from the transaction, and there are cultural and social factors that can cloud the issue.

Challenges in Measuring Corruption

  • Importance of studying direct experience: Comprehensive assessments of corruption can assist governments in better tailoring policies and enhancing the capabilities of anti-corruption bodies.
  • Challenges in collecting data: The collection of empirical data on corruption represents a real challenge due to its complex and covert nature.
  • Use of perception-based indicators: Perception-based indicators, while useful for raising awareness about corruption, fail to provide clear indications as to the extent of corruption and vulnerable areas.

Statistics on Corruption in Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • 23% of civil service users pay a bribe to receive attention from at least one of nine different service providers (Transparency International, Global Corruption Barometer 2010)
  • 15% of citizens experienced the payment of a bribe in the 12 months prior to the survey (Gallup Balkan Monitor 2009)

Conclusion

The report emphasizes the need for evidence-based information on corruption and highlights the importance of understanding its many facets in order to develop effective anti-corruption policies. By studying direct experiences of corruption, governments can better tailor their policies and enhance the capabilities of anti-corruption bodies, ultimately reducing the devastating effects of corruption in Bosnia and Herzegovina.