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Fact Sheet Bureau Public Affairs Washington, DC August 10, 2006 National Strategy Against High-Level Corruption: Coordinating International Efforts to Combat Kleptocracy![]() "Corrupt practices undermine government institutions, impede economic and social development, and cast shadows of lawlessness that erode the public trust." —President George W. Bush Kleptocracy Threatens U.S. Global InterestsHigh-level, large-scale corruption by public officials, or kleptocracy, threatens America's global interests. These interests include ensuring security and stability; the rule of law and core democratic values; discouraging tyrannical regimes; advancing prosperity; and creating a level playing field for lawful business activities. International Anti-Kleptocracy InitiativePresident George W. Bush unveiled in August 2006 a National Strategy to Internationalize Efforts Against Kleptocracy, a component of his strategy to fight corruption around the world. The U.S. has been engaged for some time in the fight against kleptocracy. This strategy combines the policy and law enforcement tools of several federal agencies, including the Departments of State, Treasury, Justice, and Homeland Security. It builds upon G-8 leaders' and other international commitments to mobilize and coordinate global efforts to end large-scale corruption in the public and private sectors by:
Kleptocracy Undermines Democracy and Hinders ProsperityCorruption is a threat to both developing and developed countries where it: n Undermines sound public financial management and accountability;
U.S. Leads Fight Against CorruptionThe U.S. actively supports effective anticorruption measures through various international bodies and conventions. In addition to the President's commitment made with G-8 leaders to promote legal frameworks and a global financial system to reduce opportunities for kleptocracy, the United States has promoted strong anticorruption leadership and action in, but not limited to, the following:
The U.S. Government has also worked with its G-8 partners to launch anticorruption pilot programs in Georgia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, and Peru, and has persuaded other nations to accept and apply the "Denial of Safe Haven" policy. KleptocratsSaddam Hussein, former President of IraqHussein looted Iraq of billions of dollars by skimming workers' profits, taking kickbacks, smuggling, and stealing state funds. He used these ill-gotten gains to maintain despotic power, develop and purchase weapons, and enrich his family, cronies, and himself. Arnoldo Aleman, former President of NicaraguaAleman and other officials embezzled millions from the Government of Nicaragua by diverting government funds offshore for personal enrichment. Sani Abacha, former President of NigeriaAbacha amassed about $2 billion in illicit proceeds by taking bribes and kickbacks from foreign contractors, awarding contracts to bogus companies, and stealing money from the Nigerian Central Bank. Alberto Fujimori, former President of PeruFujimori fled to Japan and resigned his presidency amid accusations of fraud, corruption, and money laundering leveled against him and several of his close associates. U.S. law enforcement agencies discovered more than $20 million in assets hidden in the United States which were returned to the Government of Peru. |