Belgium more corrupt than last year

18 October 2005

BRUSSELS — Belgium became a little more corrupt last year, according to new research released on Tuesday.

The annual Transparency International list revealed that Belgium slipped five places in the rankings of countries where crime least occurs.

In 2003 and 2004, Belgium was ranked 17 and 14 respectively. It ranks 19 this year, newspaper ‘De Standaard’ reported.

The least corrupt countries in the world are Finland and Iceland. On the other side of the spectrum are Bangladesh and Chad.

The NGO Transparency International examined crime rates in 159 nations. In 70 nations, it said corruption plays “a role”.

Chairman Peter Eigen said “corruption is a major cause of poverty and at the same time a great hindrance to combat poverty”.

Subject: Belgian news