10 of the Most Corrupt Politicians in the World with Full Analysis
Corruption has been a pervasive issue that has plagued the political landscape across the globe. As nations continue to grapple with the detrimental effects of dishonesty and fraud, it becomes crucial to shed light on the individuals who have perpetuated such corrupt practices.
This article delves into the lives and political careers of the most corrupt politicians in the world, exploring their illicit activities, political histories, and the consequences of their actions on their respective countries.
1. Nawaz Sharif – Ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan
Political History
Nawaz Sharif served as Pakistan’s Prime Minister for three non-consecutive terms, holding the office from 1990 to 1993, 1997 to 1999, and 2013 to 2017. His political career has been marred by allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement, with his name featuring prominently in the infamous Panama Papers leak.
Corruption Allegations and Impact
Sharif is estimated to have amassed a personal net worth of around $1.4 billion through his corrupt practices. The leaked Panama Papers exposed his offshore companies and real estate holdings, which led to his disqualification from the office by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
His family is known to own numerous real estate properties, steel mills, factories, rice mills, flour mills, and sugar mills both in Pakistan and abroad. Consequently, Nawaz Sharif has earned the notorious title of the world’s most corrupt politician.
2. Vladimir Putin – President of Russia
Political History
Vladimir Putin has been a prominent figure in Russian politics for over two decades. He served as the Prime Minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012. Putin has held the presidency since 2000, with a brief break from 2008 to 2012 when he served as Prime Minister.
Corruption Allegations and Impact
As one of the world’s most powerful leaders, it is no surprise that Putin also ranks high on the list of most corrupt politicians. His administration has been accused of numerous corrupt practices, including embezzling state funds, engaging in money laundering, and suppressing political opponents.
The extent of his corruption remains unclear, but he is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest and most corrupt leaders in the world.
3. Salman bin Abdulaziz – King of Saudi Arabia
Political History
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has held numerous positions of power within the Saudi Arabian government, including serving as the Governor of Riyadh Province from 1963 to 2011, the Minister of Defense from 2011 to 2015, and eventually ascending to the throne as King of Saudi Arabia in 2015.
Corruption Allegations and Impact
According to the Panama Papers, King Salman has amassed around $150 billion in assets through the misuse of the Saudi Arabian treasury. His involvement in corruption has tarnished the image of the Saudi royal family and raised questions about the governance and transparency of the oil-rich nation.
4. Asif Ali Zardari – Former President of Pakistan
Political History
Asif Ali Zardari, husband of the late Benazir Bhutto, served as the President of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013. His tenure as president was characterized by numerous allegations of corruption, money laundering and abuse of power.
Corruption Allegations and Impact
Zardari has been implicated in various corruption scandals, including his involvement in the Swiss money laundering case and the Surrey Palace case in the United Kingdom. He has been accused of embezzling state funds through fraudulent means and misusing his authority to enrich himself and his allies.
Despite facing numerous corruption charges, Zardari remains a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, with his party, the Pakistan Peoples Party, continuing to wield significant influence in the country.
5. Narendra Modi – Prime Minister of India
Political History
Narendra Modi has been the Prime Minister of India since 2014, leading the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to a historic victory in the general elections. Prior to his tenure as Prime Minister, Modi served as the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014.
Corruption Allegations and Impact
While Modi has garnered a reputation for being a pro-development leader, his administration has faced allegations of corruption and crony capitalism. The most notable scandal during his tenure has been the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal, in which the Indian government has been accused of favoring a specific company for offset contracts and causing a significant loss to the Indian exchequer.
Modi’s government has also been criticized for its handling of the economy, with critics alleging that policies like demonetization have disproportionately benefited the wealthy and well-connected.
6. Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – King of the United Arab Emirates
Political History
Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Emir of Abu Dhabi since 2004, following the death of his father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. As the ruler of the wealthiest emirate in the UAE, Khalifa holds significant power and influence both domestically and internationally.
Corruption Allegations and Impact
The Panama Papers leak revealed that Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan had embezzled around $150 billion from the UAE’s treasury, raising concerns about the integrity and transparency of the country’s governance. The revelations have cast a shadow over the UAE’s image as a modern and progressive nation and have led to increased scrutiny of the country’s financial regulations and anti-corruption measures.
7. David Cameron – Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Political History
David Cameron served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2016, leading a coalition government between the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats. His tenure was marked by significant economic and social reforms, as well as the contentious Brexit referendum.
Corruption Allegations and Impact
Despite coming from a wealthy family, Cameron has faced allegations of corruption and financial misconduct, including his involvement in setting up an offshore company. The Panama Papers leak revealed that Cameron’s father, Ian Cameron, had used offshore accounts to avoid paying UK taxes, raising questions about the former Prime Minister’s own financial practices and integrity.
8. Kim Jong-Un – Supreme Leader of North Korea
Political History
Kim Jong-Un has been the Supreme Leader of North Korea since 2011, following the death of his father, Kim Jong-Il. Under his leadership, North Korea has continued to pursue its nuclear weapons program and has engaged in a series of provocative acts, including missile tests and the alleged assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, Kim Jong-Un’s half-brother.
Corruption Allegations and Impact
North Korea is widely regarded as one of the most secretive and repressive regimes in the world, with a history of human rights abuses and widespread corruption. Kim Jong-Un has been accused of using state funds to finance his lavish lifestyle, which includes a fleet of luxury cars, a private jet, and a personal island. The extent of his corruption remains unknown, but it is clear that he wields absolute power in a country that is largely cut off from the rest of the world.
9. Petro Poroshenko – Former President of Ukraine
Political History
Petro Poroshenko served as the President of Ukraine from 2014 to 2019, following the ousting of former President Viktor Yanukovych during the Euromaidan protests. Poroshenko, a wealthy businessman, promised to tackle corruption and implement reforms to modernize Ukraine’s economy and institutions.
Corruption Allegations and Impact
Despite his promises, Poroshenko’s administration was marred by allegations of corruption. His most notable scandal involved the embezzlement of more than $3 billion, as reported by the Ukraine Accountability Bureau. Poroshenko’s alleged corruption has contributed to the country’s ongoing political instability and economic struggles.
10. Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson – Former Prime Minister of Iceland
Political History
Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson served as the Prime Minister of Iceland from 2013 until his resignation in 2016, following the release of the Panama Papers. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize Iceland’s economy after the 2008 financial crisis and implement policies aimed at reducing the country’s debt burden.
Corruption Allegations and Impact
The Panama Papers leak revealed that Gunnlaugsson and his wife owned an offshore company with ties to Iceland’s failed banks, leading to accusations of a conflict of interest and financial impropriety. The revelations prompted widespread public outrage, ultimately forcing Gunnlaugsson to resign from office. His involvement in the scandal has tarnished Iceland’s reputation as a model of good governance and transparency.
Ranking the Most Corrupt Political Leaders in the World
In conclusion, these corrupt politicians have caused significant damage to their countries and their citizens, perpetuating poverty, inequality, and political instability.
It is crucial to continue to expose and hold accountable such individuals who exploit their positions of power for personal gain at the expense of the public good.
By shining a light on their actions, we can work towards a more transparent and just political landscape across the globe.