Political Corruption

Definition

Political corruption refers to the use of powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain. This can include bribery, extortion, cronyism, nepotism, patronage, graft, and embezzlement.

Related terms

Bribery: The act of giving or receiving something of value in exchange for some kind of influence or action in return.

Embezzlement: The act of withholding assets for the purpose of conversion (theft) by one or more individuals to whom the assets were entrusted.

Cronyism: Favoritism shown by those in power to friends and associates without regard to their qualifications.