Arab nations

DEVELOPING countries, such as those of the Arab world, are particularly vulnerable to both organized and business crime because of political, legal, and economic systems that are still in the process of evolving. Just as in the rest of the world, most economic crimes in the Arab world stem from corrupt government officials, an avaricious business community, and individuals and groups who are willing to exploit others to achieve their own goals.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes has observed that corrupt governmental authorities in many developing countries regularly force residents to pay “surcharges” to obtain drivers' licenses, building permits, or other routine activities. Representatives of the World Bank have stated that corruption is the single greatest obstacle to economic and social development in ...