Kleptocracy

Kleptocracy (or sometimes Cleptocracy) (root: Klepto+cracy) is a form of government. It means literally "rule by thieves". It is the end-point of political corruption, where no pretence of honesty remains, and the government of a country exists solely to enrich its rulers and to perpetuate their rule.

The following governments (in alphabetical order by country name) have been accused of being kleptocracies:

• The government of Francois Duvalier in Haiti
• The government of President Suharto in Indonesia
• The government of Sani Abacha in Nigeria
• The government of Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines
• The government of Nicolae Ceauşescu in Romania
• The government of Idi Amin in Uganda
• The government of George Bush in the United States of America
• The government of Mobutu Sese Seko in Zaire

Kleptocrats often use money laundering and anonymous banking as a way of protecting and concealing their wealth.