Least corrupt, dirty volts

Reassessing the global corruption indices and the Swiss Paradox

Bibliographic Data

ID22422020
AuthorsAnzanilufuno Munyai (0000-0002-8832-2842, University of the Western Cape African Centre for Transnational Criminal Justice, Faculty of Law, , Cape Town), Jean-Claude N Ashukem (0000-0003-1993-6258, Independent Researcher , Johannesburg)
Year2026
Pages1-17
Publication date2026-06-23
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Financial Crime (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1359-0790 • E-ISSN: 1758-7239
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/jfc-12-2025-0449
OpenAlexW7165652119
LanguageEN
References cited16

Purpose This paper aims to examine the Swiss Paradox and bias of dominant global indices, such as Transparency International, despite Switzerland being among the leading safe havens for illicit wealth. The paper argues that while corruption is widespread in Africa, countries in the Global North, including Switzerland, are enablers and accomplices in transferring illicit wealth. Additionally, the paper uses the concept of Afropolitanism to challenge the Western-centric narrative of corruption in Africa. It aims to contribute to the literature by questioning the narrative that “safe haven” countries are the least corrupt. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a desktop methodological approach, drawing from existing literature on the subject, African case studies, asset recovery measures, and various corruption indices. Findings The analysis conducted in this paper suggests that although some illicit funds from African states may have been recovered, Africa’s perception of Afropolitanism should be used to inform and gauge African corruption, rather than relying on biased Western-oriented indices that seem to stigmatise corruption in Africa. Practical implications This study advances the view that corruption is not endemic to a particular region or country. Social implications This study changes the narrative about how one should view and appreciate the global corruption indices. Originality/value The value of the contribution lies in its effort to reassess the issue of African corruption through the perspective of global corruption indices and to demonstrate the potential of the Swiss Paradox.

Language change · Narrative · Perception · Political corruption · Colonial History and Postcolonial Studies · Corruption and Economic Development · Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance

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