Public officials in developing countries, with their power and access to assets and confidential information, have the ability to be positive influences in their countries – and many do just that. Others, however, take advantage of their situations to enrich themselves at the expense of their countries’ less fortunate citizens.

Official vehicles being used for personal errands;

Intermingling of government assets and personnel  (e.g. computer, support staff) with personal matters;

Consumption patterns for government officials at higher levels or rates than justified by government business;

Appearance of governmental assets at personal residences;

Overtime expense paid for personal errands;

Reputation for abuse of assets;

Appointment of friends, relatives and spouses to government positions;

Unjustified consulting studies;

Unusual project or project component locations – without objective basis, or representing a substantial departure from system or design plans or precedent;

Newly-formed local entities, with principals consisting of persons with known local political and/or business influence, gaining unusually large or lucrative parts of a project.