This article is adapted from AQ’s latest issue on Latin America’s anti-corruption movement | Leer en español | Ler em português
About five years ago, something strange started happening throughout Latin America: Powerful people began going to jail for corruption. Presidents, senators and business leaders long regarded as untouchable were suddenly being held to account for their role in mind-blowingly huge scandals with names like Lava Jato (“Car Wash”) and La Línea (“The Line”).
This was widely portrayed, by this magazine and many others, as a story of progress. Many credited the spread of democracy since the 1980s, which has helped give rise to more independent judicial institutions. Of course, some countries (Brazil, Peru) were advancing faster than others (Mexico, Venezuela). But many saw a once-in-a-generation opportunity to substantially reduce the impunity that has always been one of Latin America’s biggest curses, contributing to poverty, inequality and numerous other ills.
Today, that hopeful story is at risk. Several recent cases illustrate why, without change, the anti-corruption drive will fall well short of the transformation many dreamed of.
In some cases, elites have conspired to undermine, or even destroy, the gains of recent years. This was the case in Guatemala, where authorities dismantled the UN body investigating corruption and blocked a popular former attorney general from running for president. Colombia’s Congress failed to approve any of the anti-corruption reforms endorsed by almost 12 million people in 2018 — a greater number than voted for the current president. Entrenched powers in Brazil, Peru and Mexico have attempted to limit the scope and powers of investigations.
Elsewhere, the law enforcement community can blame itself. The leak of private messages between former Lava Jato judge (and current Brazilian justice minister) Sérgio Moro and prosecutors pointed to possible bias and procedural violations in the region’s most iconic and sweeping investigation. Others have abused the use of pre-trial detention. These issues have allowed defendants to claim they are the victims of political witch hunts — and a growing percentage of the public is agreeing with them, according to polls.
This issue of AQ contains a clear-eyed overview of where things stand, and points to ideas to get back on the right track. Above all, it is necessary to move past the infatuation with superstar prosecutors, and focus instead on reforms and laws that will strengthen institutions. This is the best way to stop desperate politicians from sabotaging investigations — and ensure that law enforcement itself obeys the rules. The ends cannot justify the means for either group. As this issue also shows, there are too many brave people working to advance the rule of law — everywhere from the Peruvian Amazon to Mexican investigative journalism — for the crackdown to stop now.
What Latin America’s “Corruption Busters” Got Right – and Wrong
Reading Time: 8 minutesAn overview of the popular but struggling anti-corruption movement, and ideas on how to save it, by AQ’s editor-in-chief.
Latin America’s Biggest Corruption Cases: A Retrospective
Reading Time: 7 minutesFrom Mexico to Argentina, iconic scandals have reshaped politics. AQ examines their origins – and fallout.
The Lonely Prosecutor Who Tried to Build a “Lava Jato” in the Amazon
Reading Time: 9 minutesIn this special report, AQ looks at how lawmen outside the national media spotlight struggle with threats, sabotage – and, often, failure.
A Convicted Criminal’s Guide to Curbing Corruption in Brazil
Reading Time: 5 minutesThe leader of an illegal money-moving scheme tells all in an exclusive interview with AQ.
Fighting Corruption: What Works/What Doesn’t
Reading Time: 12 minutesWhich tools have proven most effective in preventing corruption? A closer look at best practices.
Chile Beats Out Brazil in a New Anti-Corruption Ranking
Reading Time: 2 minutesA new tool by AS/COA and Control Risks assesses the region’s ability to uncover, punish and deter corruption.
Target Corruption’s Roots, Not Just Its Leaves
Reading Time: 3 minutesStructural political reforms are the way forward for Latin America.
Compliance Is Taking Off in Latin America. Is It Effective?
Reading Time: 4 minutesThe industry is growing by leaps and bounds, but a real impact is hard to measure.
Latin America’s Top 5 Anti-Corruption Figures
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThese leaders in government, civil society and media are breathing new life into the anti-corruption movement.
From Scandal to Reforms: Chile’s Unusual Breakthrough
Reading Time: 4 minutesChile’s reaction to a series of scandals offers lessons for its neighbors.
Inside Argentina’s Quiet Effort to Overhaul Campaign Finance
Reading Time: 4 minutesDespite polarized politics, a bipartisan coalition managed to pass a significant campaign finance reform.
The Next Frontier in Latin America’s Anti-Corruption Drive
Reading Time: 2 minutesThis edition of the Anti-Corruption Working Group’s survey of public policy looks at evolving forms of international collaboration in Latin America.
