In depth
The CPI rates 180 countries on perceived levels of corruption in the public sector. The score is given on a scale from 0 (very corrupt) to 100 (no corruption). This index is based on data and perception about corruption in the public sector from different sources, such as the World Bank, financial risk analysts, and scholars.
In the 2024 evaluation, Mexico was ranked 140 out of 180 countries, which represents a decrease compared to the CPI of the previous four years, where it had a score of 31 out of 100, and was ranked 126 out of 180. Mexico is the worst evaluated country among the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
The IPC considered the following five situations to lower Mexico's rating:
- Uncertainty about the scope and implementation of the reforms to the Judiciary, the National Anti-Corruption System and on transparency matters.
- Impunity for emblematic corruption cases such as Odebrecht, Segalmex, the Master Scam (Estafa Maestra) and Agronitrogenados (Pemex).
- Low levels of administrative sanctions.
- Links between corruption cases and organized crime.
- Continuous engagement of shell companies or companies controlled by organized crime, by public entities.
This drop indicates that the anti-corruption efforts implemented by the Mexican government have not been sufficient and significant challenges persist in areas such as the administration of justice and law enforcement.
Collaboration between the government, Mexican institutions and society is essential to strengthen anti-corruption policies, demand government transparency and claim sanctions for all cases of corruption.
Additionally, the finding on the links to organized crime is especially concerning in the context of the US Attorney General's order to focus the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement on the eradication of narcotrafficking cartels. Companies operating in Mexico should evaluate immediately any potential on-the-ground links to these groups that local employees, especially at lower levels, may take for granted or as a "cost of doing business." We have assisted many clients in these efforts and would be pleased to counsel you in these efforts.
