Corruption in Mexico

Corruption in Mexico is on the increase[1] and is typically petty corruption.[2]

In law enforcement

The organization of police forces in Mexico is complex; each police force has a different level of jurisdiction and authority, and those levels often overlap. The Procuraduría General de la República (Federal Attorney General's office) along with the law enforcement agencies Policia Federal Preventiva and Agencia Federal de Investigación, has responsibility for overseeing law enforcements across the entire country. In addition, there are several police organizations at the state, district, and city level. Since pay is generally poor (US$285–$400 per month), police officers are more likely to accept bribes to protect criminals or ignore crime entirely.[3]

Corruption plagues the various levels of police, and is frequently difficult to track down and prosecute since police officers may be protected by district attorneys and other members of the judiciary. The problem is especially pronounced in northern border areas such as Tijuana, where police are engaged by drug traffickers to protect and enforce their illicit interests.[4]

The Mexican police force often do not investigate crimes, will generally randomly select someone to be the guilty party then fabricate the evidence.[5] This issue is a major problem throughout Mexico as many of the actual police force are the ones involved in the crimes or are trying to cover up their poor police work.[6]

In the judiciary

A United Nations Special Reporter undertook a mission to Mexico in 2002 to investigate reports by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights that the country's judiciary and administration of law was not independent.[7] During the course of his visit to a number of cities, the reporter observed that corruption in the judiciary had not been reduced significantly. One of the principal issues is that, because the federal courts operate at a relatively high level, most citizens are compelled to seek justice in the inadequate state courts.[7]

Additionally, the reporter expressed concerns about such issues as disorganization in the legal profession, difficulties and harassment faced by lawyers, poor trial procedures, poor access to the justice system for indigenous peoples and minors, and lacklustre investigation of many crimes.[7]

Case studies

Walmart scandal

In 2012, The New York Times accused Walmart of bribing local government officials in Mexico, in order to expedite the process of awarding construction permits to build new supermarkets.[8] The case is currently being investigated by Department of Justice (United States) prosecutors.

Anti-corruption activities

Transparency International Mexico is one of the main civil society organisations fighting corruption in Mexico.

See also

General:

References

  1. ↑ "Mexico Among The World's Most Corrupt Nations In 2014, New Report Says". May 2014.
  2. ↑ "Mexico Corruption Profile". Business Anti-Corruption Portal. Retrieved 27 May 2013.
  3. ↑ "Mexico Police and Law Enforcement Organizations". Photius.
  4. ↑ "Police Drug Corruption". Drugwar.com.
  5. ↑ Thompson, Ginger (September 26, 2005). "In Mexico's Murders, Fury Is Aimed at Officials". New York Times.
  6. ↑ "Mexico Police Torture persists". Reuters News Alerts.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Civil and Political Rights: Independence of the Judiciary, Administration of Justice, and Impunity" (PDF). U.N. Commission on Human Rights.
  8. ↑ Barstow, David (April 22, 2012). "Vast Mexico Bribery Case Hushed Up by Wal-Mart After Top-Level Struggle". The New York Times. Retrieved April 24, 2012.

External links