Title: Economic aspects of the complementarity between corruption and crime: evidence from Italy in the period 1996-2005

Authors: Raul Caruso; Adelaide Baronchelli

Addresses: Institute of Economic Policy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, via Necchi 5, Milano 20123, Italy ' Institute of Economic Policy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, via Necchi 5, Milano 20123, Italy

Abstract: This paper empirically investigates the connection between corruption and crime. Such linkage has been often underestimated because corruption has been often analysed as a white-collar crime. In fact, it is not characterised by violence. Recently, a theoretical connection has been suggested to highlight that corruption and crime can be considered strategic complements. This paper, therefore, delves into the link between corruption and crime investigating empirically this relation for Italian regions in the period 1996-2005. Results show that current crime is positively associated with past levels of corruption. This somehow confirms the complementary relationship between the two illicit phenomena.

Keywords: corruption; crime; complementarity; investment; Italy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMEF.2013.056400

International Journal of Monetary Economics and Finance, 2013 Vol.6 No.2/3, pp.244 - 260

Published online: 15 Sep 2013 *

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