FX.co ★ Seven most corrupt state leaders in modern history

Mohammed Suharto

Mohammed Suharto ruled Indonesia from 1967 to 1998, establishing an authoritarian regime that lasted for over three decades. While he officially pursued a policy of economic development and stability, in practice, he turned the presidency into a tool for personal enrichment. It is estimated that he embezzled up to $35 billion through pseudo-foundations and controlled "charitable" structures. Despite the scale of the accusations, Suharto never stood trial. He died in 2008, leaving behind a deeply controversial legacy from “father of the nation” to a symbol of corrupt rule.

Ferdinand Marcos

Ferdinand Marcos served as President of the Philippines from 1972 to 1986, imposing martial law and turning the country into an authoritarian state. His rule was marked by repression, cronyism, and massive embezzlement of public funds estimated at around $7.5 billion. In 1986, following mass protests known as the “People Power Revolution,” Marcos fled to Hawaii, taking with him cash, gold, and jewels. He died in exile in 1995, and efforts to recover the stolen assets are still ongoing.

Viktor Yanukovych

Viktor Yanukovych held top positions in Ukraine from 2002 to 2014, including prime minister and president. His rule was characterized by increasing power consolidation and controversial political decisions. His downfall came in 2014 after rejecting EU integration in favor of closer ties with Russia, sparking mass protests, the Euromaidan. Fleeing the unrest, Yanukovych left the country. The total damage from his actions is estimated at $5 billion. He currently resides in Russia and has been convicted in absentia in Ukraine.

Mobutu Sese Seko

Mobutu Sese Seko ruled Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) from 1965 to 1997, maintaining power for over three decades with support from Western countries during the Cold War. His rule became a symbol of kleptocracy: the state budget was treated as a personal treasury. While the country sank into poverty, Mobutu bought palaces, private jets, and went on shopping sprees in Paris. The total cost of his corruption is estimated at $5 billion. He was overthrown in 1997 and died in exile soon afterwards, never held accountable.

Sani Abacha

Sani Abacha served as president of Nigeria from 1993 to 1998, ruling during an oil boom. Despite economic growth, his tenure is remembered for massive theft: through fake contracts, offshore accounts, and shell companies, he siphoned off between $2 billion and $5 billion. One Jersey island account alone later held $267 million in stolen funds. Abacha died suddenly in 1998 under mysterious circumstances. An international campaign to recover the stolen assets began after his death, but a large portion remains missing.

Najib Razak

Najib Razak was Prime Minister of Malaysia from 2009 to 2018 and became the central figure in one of the biggest corruption scandals in modern history — the 1MDB case. The scandal involved a state investment fund from which $4.5 billion vanished. Investigations revealed that over $1 billion had been transferred to Razak’s personal accounts. In 2022, he was found guilty and sentenced to 12 years in prison, a rare instance of a high-ranking official facing real consequences for corruption.

Slobodan Milošević

Slobodan Milošević served as president of Serbia and Yugoslavia from 1989 to 2000 and was a central figure in the tragic events of the Balkan Wars. Alongside charges of war crimes, his rule was also marked by large-scale corruption. He allegedly embezzled around $1 billion through shadowy schemes and offshore transfers. In 2001, Milošević was arrested and handed over to the UN’s International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague, where he was before the court for political and financial crimes. He died in custody in 2006 before a verdict was delivered.