China: The Strategy of Prevention against Organised Corruption

Corruption is a historical social phenomenon just like other hinds of crime. It was born and will die with the social class system. It is one of the oldest crimes which remains the same under different names on the journey of social change. The rulers of society have insisted on severe sanctions against it including capital and other punishments upon offenders, but it has always survived in spite of continual prohibitions at different times in history. Since economic contacts are more frequent and closer, new types of corruption have emerged. Offences are now more organised and better planned. New characteristics are: (1) illegal organisation; (2) there may be political motives as well as economic purposes; (3) the offenders tend to use fraudulence and blackmail; (4) enormous sums of money are involved to obtain vast unlawful profits. According to the characteristics of organised corruption, the strategy of prevention should be comprehensive, consisting of precaution, relief and warning. Precaution is the most important and relief is the second best, followed by warning. These three measures should be used together. The strategy should combine sanctions and education together, with emphasis on precaution as well as relief and warning, reminding public servants of their duties and reputation and the penalties for breaches of the law.