A recent report reveals that bribery and money laundering are alarmingly widespread in the United Kingdom, with millions of individuals approached to participate in these illicit activities over the past year. The study, co-authored by a researcher from the University of Surrey for the International Society of Economic Criminology (ISEC), indicates that approximately 16% of UK adults have been solicited for a bribe, while 11%—equating to around 5.8 million adults—have been asked to facilitate the transfer of funds potentially linked to criminal activities.
Among those who received such requests, more than half agreed to participate. The findings are particularly troubling, as they reveal that in 2023, 9% of respondents consented to pay a bribe, and 7% engaged in what is termed “money muling,” which refers to actions that facilitate money laundering. The data suggests that the propensity to engage in these activities is notably higher among younger adults and males. In the 18 to 40 age group, 29% reported being asked for a bribe, with 16% agreeing to pay. For money mulling, 22% were solicited, and 13% participated.
Scope of Corruption in the UK
Requests for bribes and money laundering are most frequently encountered in the private sector, which accounts for 56% of reported incidents. The public sector follows at 25%, with the charity sector contributing 10% and various other sectors making up the remaining 8%.
Dr. Jack Whittaker, co-author of the report and a Lecturer of Criminology at the University of Surrey, emphasized the significance of these findings: “These findings are a wake-up call. Corruption is not something that happens far away or only in high-powered boardrooms or in the movies. It is happening in everyday life—in workplaces, in financial dealings, and in routine transactions.”
The disparity between police records and actual occurrences of corruption is stark. Official statistics indicate that only 100 to 170 corruption offenses are recorded annually, compared to approximately 2,000 to 3,700 money laundering offenses. The survey suggests that the reality of bribery and money laundering is much broader than what law enforcement captures.
Research Methodology and Implications
To conduct this research, the team employed an anonymous online survey involving 1,000 UK adults, carefully selected to represent the national population in terms of age, gender, and region. Participants were asked whether they had been solicited for bribes or invited to transfer funds for others over the past year. This method allowed for sensitive disclosures without fear of judgment or legal repercussions, thus providing a clearer picture of hidden behaviors.
Dr. Whittaker highlighted the urgent need for increased public awareness regarding bribery and money mulling: “The UK needs stronger public awareness about how bribery and money muling operate, alongside support for people at risk of being targeted. This includes clearer education in schools and universities, more visible communication from banks and employers, and practical advice for anyone unsure whether an offer they receive is legitimate.”
The findings underline a critical gap between recorded offenses and actual experiences. While police track a few hundred bribery occurrences each year, the survey indicates that millions may be encountering such requests regularly. Similarly, while around 3,000 money laundering offenses are documented annually, tens of thousands may unknowingly or under pressure participate in money muling.
The report serves as a crucial reminder of the pervasive nature of corruption in everyday life, calling for concerted efforts to address and mitigate these risks across society.
