Dangers of Corruption in Developing Countries

"The magnitude of funds under criminal control poses special threats to governments, particularly in developing countries, where the domestic security markets and capital markets are far too small to absorb such funds without quickly becoming dependent on them.¹⁶⁰ It is difficult to have a functioning democratic system when drug cartels have the means to buy protection, political support or votes at every level of government and society.¹⁶¹ In systems where a member of the legislature or judiciary, earning only a modest income, can easily gain the equivalent of some 20 months’ salary from a trafficker by making one "favourable" decision, the dangers of corruption are obvious.¹⁶²"