Top 5 Most Corrupt Politicians Of All Time

While leaders are expected to work for the benefit of common people, it has been found that quite a few politicians get caught in the web of greed, money and power. Things become even worse for a nation when the top leader is involved in corrupt undertakings or is aware of them but not doing anything to stop it. For better understanding, here’s a look at some of the most corrupt politicians in the world of all time.

Slobodan Milošević – A Yugoslav and Serbian politician, Slobodan Milošević had ruled as the president of Serbia during the period from 1989 to 1997. Political experts had described Slobodan Milošević as an opportunist and populist. He was also accused of abusing his power, political assassinations, electoral fraud, embezzlement and corruption. Overall value of corruption charges against Slobodan Milošević is estimated to be around US$ 1 billion.

Sani Abacha – A Nigerian general, Sani Abacha acted as the military head of state from 1993 to 1998. He had seized power in a military coup. During his rule, a number of political assassinations and human rights abuses were recorded. Abacha and his family have been accused of looting government funds and transferring it to overseas accounts. Total value of funds acquired through corrupt means is estimated to be around $1 billion – $5 billion.

Mobutu Sese Seko – A Congolese politician and military officer, Mobutu Sese Seko had served as the president of Democratic Republic of the Congo during the period 1965 to 1971. Many call his rule as kleptocracy, as he had made a huge personal fortune through corruption and economic exploitation. During his rule, the country witnessed major issues such as large debt, high inflation and currency devaluation. Estimates indicate that Mobutu Sese Seko may have made a personal fortune worth US$4 billion – $15 billion during his tenure as president.

Ferdinand Marcos – Former president of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos was in power from 1965 to 1986. He is largely considered as a dictator and kleptocrat. He had imposed martial law in the country from 1972 to 1981 and had consolidated most of the constitutional powers with himself. According to Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), it is alleged that Marcos family stole funds worth US$5 billion – $10 billion. This belonged to the Central Bank of the Philippines. There are various other allegations of corruption against the family.

Mohamed Suharto – The longest serving president of Indonesia, Mohamed Suharto is largely considered to be a dictator. He ruled for a period of 31 years, from 1967 to 1998. It is estimated that he had amassed assets worth US$38 billion. After he stepped down as president, Suharto and his family had to face several corruption charges. In Transparency International’s list of corrupt leaders, Suharto was placed at top with estimated misappropriation of around US$15–35 billion during his tenure as president of Indonesia.