# The cost of corruption in Brazil URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/news/the-cost-of-corruption-in-brazil Type: News Published: 2015-03-13 Updated: 2019-11-19 --- 13 March 2015 On 15 March thousands of Brazilians will take to the streets to protest corruption. [The scandal](http://www.economist.com/news/americas/21645703-now-brazilian-politicians-will-face-investigation-hes-got-little-list) unfolding at Petrobras, the country’s oil giant, has exposed a web of deceit that involved alleged bribery and kickbacks among top politicians and top businesses. Thirty-four sitting politicians and 18 companies linked to the scandal face investigations. The people want answers. Corruption, as Transparency International has always said, is not a victimless crime. The problems at Petrobras exacerbate an already [weakened economy](http://www.wsj.com/articles/debt-downgrade-of-brazil-oil-giant-stirs-wider-concern-1424910407) where jobs across many industries are under threat. - Petrobras has lost more than two-thirds of its market capitalisation in the past year. - 18 companies linked to the scandal face investigations. - The speakers of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate face investigation. ### Accountability The people will be asking for accountability. Those who designed, used and profited from this corruption must face the consequences. A strong deterrent, that is blind to privilege, both political and social, is the only way to limit (if not stop) a repetition of this sorry tale. It is worth remembering that the Petrobras scandal, popularly known as *Petrolão*, or big oily, was being perpetrated at the same time that the Supreme Court was hearing testimony in another political bribery scandal known as the *Mensalão*, or big monthly payments. The Supreme Court held firm to hand down [prison sentences](http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-24967116) to those convicted in the *Mensalão* scandal. They must do the same for those convicted of corruption in the *Petrolão* scandal. The [framework](http://www.transparency.org/whatwedo/answer/brazil_overview_of_corruption_and_anti_corruption) to prevent corruption in Brazil is relatively strong on paper with the exception of whistleblower protection legislation. Transparency International [research](http://www.transparency.org/whatwedo/answer/brazil_overview_of_corruption_and_anti_corruption) on the state of corruption in Brazil suggests that the country has made good progress in the past three years passing key anti-corruption laws, but that it is stymied by a political system that makes the cost of entering politics too high. This only encourages corruption among the political classes. It is [alleged](http://www.economist.com/news/americas/21645703-now-brazilian-politicians-will-face-investigation-hes-got-little-list) that some Petrobras divisions diverted 3 per cent of their value into slush funds for political parties. *Mensalão* was all about bribing politicians. It is unlikely that Brazil’s president will be impeached now because of the *Petrolão* scandal. Under the Constitution that can only happen for misconduct in the current term. President Rouseff’s second term [started](http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-30651898) in January. Investigating and bringing to justice those involved in the Petrobras scandal can act as a framework for reform. ## Countries - [Brazil](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/brazil) For any press inquiries please contact ### You might also like... ## [Financial intelligence units: Powerful tools against corruption if governments let them work](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/financial-intelligence-units-powerful-tools-against-corruption) News • 24 June 2026 Financial intelligence units can help expose corrupt money flows – but only if governments give them the powers, access and independence to do the job. ## [Who pays for politics? Tracing the money trail online](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/who-pays-for-politics) News • 06 November 2025 From Mongolia’s drive for transparency to looming risks in Peru and Bolivia, new findings show why open digital disclosure of political finance is vital for democracy. ## [Dirty money still has an address: Unveiling the Opacity in Real Estate Ownership Index](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/unveiling-opacity-in-real-estate-ownership-index) News • 26 March 2025 Transparency International and the Anti-Corruption Data Collective have ranked 24 jurisdictions on their ability to protect property markets from illicit funds. ## [CPI 2024 for the Americas: Corruption fuels environmental crime and impunity across the region](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2024-americas-corruption-fuels-environmental-crime-impunity-across-region) News • 11 February 2025 The absence of effective anti-corruption measures promotes human rights violations, and increases the influence of elites and organised crime on policy-making.