Business Corruption in Mexico
Corruption is a significant risk for companies operating in Mexico. Bribery is widespread in the country's judiciary and police, and business registration processes, including getting construction permits and licenses, are negatively influenced by corruption. Organized crime continues to be a very problematic factor for business, imposing large costs on companies.
Collusion
between the police, judges and criminal groups is extensive, leading to widespread crime, theft, impunity and weak law enforcement. The petroleum industry is dominated by the state-owned oil company Pemex, which has been the subject of several high-profile corruption cases. Gifts and hospitality are not forbidden by law and may be permissible, depending on intent. Attempted
bribery
,
extortion
,
abuse of office
, bribery of foreign public officials and
facilitation payments
are criminalized under Mexico's Federal Penal Code (
Código Penal Federal
, in Spanish). However, Mexico's anti-corruption laws are almost never enforced, and public officials are rarely held liable for illegal acts.
February 2016
GAN Integrity