NCJ Number
181659
Journal
Transnational Organized Crime Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 1998 Pages: 42-55
Date Published
1998
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article examines the role of criminogenic asymmetries as root causes of corruption.
Abstract
The rising public interest in the risks posed by transnational organized criminal activities has been accompanied by concerns about corruption. Analytically, the corrupt activities of ordinary businesses and criminal businesses are indistinguishable. Sometimes, bribes paid by legal corporations produce far more harmful effects than those paid by loan sharks, pimps, or even big-time criminal entrepreneurs. The joint examination of official misconduct in transactions with both legal and illegal enterprises is essential. This article argues that the root causes of the problem can be traced to “criminogenic asymmetries,” which fuel illegal markets, furnish opportunities for illicit profit, reduce transparency, prevent accountability, and weaken social controls. The analysis starts with a brief conceptual clarification of the term “corruption.” It then examines the causes and consequences of corruption and the reasons for the recent rise of official interest in the phenomenon. It concludes with an examination of some policy implications. Notes