ANTI-CORRUPTION DEVELOPMENTS IN LATIN AMERICA
R&C: How significant is the issue of corruption across Latin American? Is there a widespread perception that anti-corruption efforts are treated with indifference or lack urgency?
Torres: Corruption in Latin America remains a complex and deeply rooted challenge. It extends far beyond interactions between corporations and government-facing employees, permeating everyday public and private sector operations. Its manifestations span governmental agencies, the judiciary, healthcare systems and commercial activity, among others. Recent shifts in the Corruption Perceptions Index illustrate the region’s ongoing volatility. Across Latin America, the average score continues to hover in the low to mid 30s. Several countries experienced notable changes between 2024-25. Mexico declined from 31 to 26, Peru from 31 to 30, Brazil from 36 to 34, while Argentina improved from 28 to 37. Venezuela remains the lowest ranked country in the region with a score of 10. These trends do not reflect a lack of political will or regional initiatives. Efforts such as the United Nations’ Regional Anti Corruption Platform Roadmap demonstrate meaningful commitments to strengthening detection and prosecution of economic and corruption-related crimes, improving oversight of public procurement processes and enhancing safeguards around private sector investment. The persistent challenge lies in implementation. Corruption is often a symptom of broader structural issues – social inequality, limited access to education, unemployment and inflation – that continue to strain institutions and undermine reform.
Apr-Jun 2026 Issue
FedEx Corporation
Petrobras