Corruption in the defence and security sector is particularly dangerous. Armed forces are the first line of defence in protecting peace and stability, but militaries plagued with corruption can exacerbate conflict and fragility, can undermine efforts to provide security, and can consume disproportionate levels of public funding.
Meanwhile, corruption in the global arms trade not only wastes vast sums of public money but can also result in the transfer of military equipment to malicious actors in fragile environments. Despite this, the defence sector is characteristically secretive and exempt from most international and national anti-corruption mechanisms.
In spite of the dangers of defence corruption, the sector remains one of the least transparent and accountable in the world.
Transparency International – Defence & Security is part of the global Transparency International movement, dedicated to tackling corruption and strengthening transparency and accountability in the defence and security sector worldwide.