Corruption remains one of the most pressing problems in Kazakhstan, Bulgaria and Serbia, where political and economic elites use state resources for personal enrichment.

Such practises undermine public trust, hinder economic development, and contribute to social inequality.

Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, corruption permeates various levels of government. According to experts, annual economic losses from corruption amount to at least 10% of the country’s annual budget. From 2015 to 2023, about 19.8 thousand corruption crimes were registered. Fourteen thousand cases reached the court with 7,539 people convicted.

Elite enrichment includes the misappropriation of public funds through non-transparent tenders and contracts and elite bribery. Despite anti-corruption measures, such as the creation of anti-corruption bodies and the adoption of relevant laws, the problem is ongoing.

Bulgaria

In 2020, the European Parliament expressed concerns about the independence of the judiciary in Bulgaria and the lack of efforts to combat high-level corruption. The adopted resolution emphasised the significant challenges in implementing reform.

To add to this, the Transparency International of 2022 awarded Bulgaria a score of ’43 out of 100′ in the Corruption Perceptions Index. The score indicates a high level of corruption in the country.

Serbia 

Corruption remains a significant problem in Serbia, despite the country’s aspirations to integrate into the European Union. Corrupt practices include bribery and abuse of office. Elites enrich themselves through opaque privatisations, manipulation of public contracts, and control of the media.

In 2019, the European Commission noted that Serbia must strengthen its efforts to combat corruption and ensure the independence of key institutions. However, political influence over the judiciary and weak institutions hinder effective fight against corruption.

Implications of Corruption

Corruption in Kazakhstan, Bulgaria and Serbia undermines economic development, reduces trust in public institutions, and increases social inequality. Measures are needed to counter this, including strengthening the independence of the judiciary to eliminate political pressure on the courts and law enforcement agencies.

Increased transparency in public administration through digital procurement and open data will reduce opportunities for embezzlement. Freedom of the media and protection of investigative journalists will help expose corruption. International cooperation with anti-corruption organisations and the extradition of corrupt officials will increase the accountability of elites, preventing the transfer of funds abroad.

Corruption Scandals

In Kazakhstan, one of the biggest corruption scandals remains the Kazatomprom case. The former head of the company, Mukhtar Dzhakishev, faced accusations of embezzling state assets. Despite the dubious nature of the charges, Dzhakishev spent more than 10 years in prison.

In Bulgaria, the Apartmentgate scandal revealed that high-ranking officials bought luxury real estate at discounted prices. Public outrage led to resignations, but actual punishments were minimal.

In Serbia, a major scandal erupted around Krusik, a state-owned arms company, when journalists exposed the enrichment schemes of the elite. International organisations such as the EU and Transparency International called for reforms yet political pressure often prevents their implementation. 

Corruption in Kazakhstan, Bulgaria and Serbia continues to increase the level of inequality in all three states.

Strengthening the transparency and independence of the courts whilst strengthening electoral procedures are two pontential avenues to increase accountability whilst reducing corruption across each state.

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