Transparency International

Transparency International (TI) is a nongovernmental organization based in Berlin, Germany, that works to combat corruption around the world. TI defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. The organization cooperates with business, government, and civil society at the national and international levels to lessen both the supply and demand of corruption. TI began in 1993 when most world business and government officials were ignoring corruption. Yet many people in both developed and developing nations were concerned about large-scale bribery by businesses as they “bought” officials and politicians, especially in the developing world. Corruption undermines both economic development and human rights.

[Page 3426]Bribes are not on the public record, so estimates of the cost of corruption vary. The World Bank estimates the amount ...