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Statistical footprints of corruption:“Vanity Fair” of automobile license plates in Russia

Author

Listed:
  • Tom Eeckhout
  • Timur Natkhov
  • Leonid Polishchuk
  • Koen Schoors
  • Kevin Hoefman

Abstract

We offer a novel big data approach to corruption detection and measurement by using statistical anomalies in publicly observable allocations which corruption affects in a predictable manner. While each individual incidence of corruption remains undetectable under the veil of secrecy, systemic corruption changes distributions of observable outcomes, and thus leaves measurable statistical footprints. We apply this approach to measuring corruption in Russian traffic police, which issues automobile license plates. Some of such plates serve as signs of status and prestige, and they are heavily concentrated among more expensive and especially luxury classes and brands, whereas if the official rules were followed, the distributions should have been close to uniform. Such discrepancies provide evidence-based measures of corruption in traffic police, which exhibit significant correlation with road accidents, injuries and fatalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Tom Eeckhout & Timur Natkhov & Leonid Polishchuk & Koen Schoors & Kevin Hoefman, 2021. "Statistical footprints of corruption:“Vanity Fair” of automobile license plates in Russia," Working Papers of Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University, Belgium 21/1034, Ghent University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.
    • Handle: RePEc:rug:rugwps:21/1034
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corruption; Police; Law Enforcement; Administrative data; Forensic Economics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K13 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Tort Law and Product Liability; Forensic Economics
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
    • P37 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - Legal

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