In cases of corruption, corporate structures and positions of power are abused for financial gain or benefits. Often, the benefit-seeker is not entitled to these benefits.
Corruption has serious consequences for society and individuals alike, as it slows down economic development, increases inequality and environmental destruction, and weakens democracy. It also reduces people’s access to services and an equal life.
In Finland, corruption is often characterised by activities being formally in compliance with law, while still being unethical. Corruption exists especially in activities between business life and the authorities. Street-level corruption, in which money is used to obtain services from the authorities to which citizens would also otherwise have access, is not very common in Finland.
Read more about corruption as a phenomenon.
Information and tools for combating corruption are available at anti-corruption.fi [.fi]›.
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<li class="attention-block__content"><strong>Pay attention to conflicts of interest.</strong> Monetary or other interests may affect the motivation or decision-making ability of an organisation or individual.</li>
<li class="attention-block__content"><strong>Avoid dual roles</strong> meaning situations where an individual holds two simultaneous roles; for example, as a participant in a tendering process and as a decision-maker.</li>
<li class="attention-block__content"><strong>Do not give precedence</strong> to any specific individual, company or other party <strong>without justification</strong>. Do not favour your relatives or help your friends or acquaintances in a reciprocal and unjustified manner. Cronyism refers to networks that are closed to some extent and whose activities are based on reciprocity and unethical favouritism.</li>
<li class="attention-block__content"><strong>Assess carefully</strong> whether a provider of a benefit or gift uses them to affect your decision-making processes.</li>
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Act correctly to combat the shadow economy and financial crime
