Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power or resources, by anyone, for private gain. Corruption Watch is concerned with any such abuse by anyone at any level of government or in business.
Examples of public or private resources:
- Money, goods, vehicles, buildings and any other resources that belong to private businesses or the government
- Pension funds and medical aid funds
- Trade union money and resources
- Lottery money
- Donations to charities
Common forms of corruption:
- A business individual pays a bribe to a government official in order to be given a government contract or license
- The use of government- or business-owned resources, such as motor vehicles, for private purposes
- A government official takes advantage of his or her position to favour a family member or business associate for a job or tender contract. This is commonly called nepotism
- A police officer solicits a bribe or a member of the public offers one in order to escape lawful punishment
- Beneficial ownership secrecy, where the real owner of a company or a trust fund is different to the registered legal owner, and they are the ultimate beneficiary of the profit