Corruption in Azerbaijan

Corruption in Azerbaijan is considered high and occurs at all levels of government. Corruption during the Soviet era was rife and persists into the present. In 2024, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported that Azerbaijan has regularly ranked near the bottom of Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index.

Azerbaijan's economy is characterized by corruption and inequality. The country's oil wealth has significantly strengthened the stability of Ilham Aliyev's regime and enriched ruling elites in Azerbaijan. The country's oil wealth has enabled the state to host lavish international events, as well as engage in extensive lobbying efforts abroad.

In the Azerbaijani laundromat money-laundering scheme, $2.9 billion was paid to foreign politicians and Azerbaijani elites by companies linked to Azerbaijani ruler Ilham Aliyev, government ministries, and the International Bank of Azerbaijan between 2012 and 2014.

Corruption is prevalent in education, health care and business more generally. Bribery, nepotism and cronyism are commonplace. The Aliyev government in Azerbaijan restricts public access to information about the owners and shareholders of Azerbaijani companies.

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