Police report over 460 attempted bribery cases as officers increasingly refuse bribes
Employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) reported 469 attempts at active corruption during the first six months of this year. This figure represents an increase compared to the same period last year and highlights a significant trend over the past five years. Specifically, when comparing the first half of 2023 to the first half of 2021, the number of reports has surged by 1,413%, which is roughly 15 times higher.
Also, compared with the first half of last year, the evolution is equally pronounced, with the reporting rate increasing by 60.6%.
Statistical data from recent years demonstrate a positive and consistent trend in the reporting of acts of corruption by employees of MAI structures.
Evolution of the number of reports in the first six months:
2021 – 31 reports;
2022 – 45 reports;
2023 – 84 reports;
2024 – 209 reports;
2025 – 292 reports;
2026 – 469 reports.
The 469 cases in the first half of 2026 were registered within the following subdivisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs:
National Inspectorate of Public Security (INSP) – 284 reports;
Territorial Inspectorates of the IGP – 156 reports;
General Inspectorate of Border Police (IGPF) – 28 reports;
General Inspectorate of Carabinieri (IGC) – one report.
"Behind every report lies an employee's choice to uphold the principles of integrity, responsibility, and respect for the legal framework. Each reported case signifies a refusal to compromise and helps strengthen institutional integrity, thereby increasing trust in the public order and security system,” stated the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
In April of this year, a department head and five employees from the Botanica Police Inspectorate were arrested on corruption charges.
According to the National Anticorruption Center, the officers are suspected of both passive and active corruption. They allegedly demanded and systematically received bribes ranging from $3,000 to $10,000, both in cash and virtual currency.
These funds reportedly came from individuals involved in drug consumption and trafficking, in exchange for leniency or avoidance of criminal charges.
