Corruption in Serbia: Global Problem or Local Scapegoat?

A Local Viewpoint: Why It Feels Worse Here

Serbian citizens often express frustration that corruption is “everywhere” in their country. From local bureaucrats asking for bribes to stalled construction projects, the visibility of corruption feels overwhelming.

But here’s the thing: in Serbia, corruption is visible—people talk about it, joke about it, even admit to small-scale participation. That transparency can make it feel more rampant than in places where corruption is hidden behind complex systems, legal loopholes, and PR machines.

Corruption You Can See vs. Corruption You Can’t

In countries like the U.S., Canada, or Western Europe, corruption often operates on a much larger scale—but under tighter media and legal control. Multi-million dollar lobbying, insider government contracts, and opaque spending rarely make front-page news. In Serbia, however, it’s often out in the open—and that honesty, ironically, gives the impression that Serbia is worse.

Let’s take a moment to look beyond Serbia and examine some tragic, high-profile examples of corruption-related disasters around the world:

🇮🇷 Iran: The Metropole Collapse (2022)

In Abadan, Iran, a 10-story building collapsed due to illegally added floors and ignored safety warnings—killing 41 people and injuring 37. The mayor, owner, and contractors were all arrested for corruption and negligence.

🇧🇩 Bangladesh: Rana Plaza (2013)

One of the deadliest building collapses in history killed 1,134 people. Poor-quality materials, illegal construction, and forced labor led to this catastrophe. Despite warnings, workers were made to return to the building before it collapsed.

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: Jeddah Residential Collapse (2024)

A residential building collapse left 7 dead and 8 injured. Corruption in permitting and illegal floor additions were directly tied to the incident.

🇹🇷 Turkey: Earthquake-Induced Corruption (2023)

More than 37,000 lives were lost after buildings collapsed during a major earthquake. Investigations revealed widespread corruption in construction, with lax safety standards and ignored regulations.

🇫🇷 France: Marseille Housing Disaster (2018)

Two buildings collapsed due to poor maintenance and structural negligence, killing eight. Reports showed that over 13% of local housing was substandard, and officials were criticized for decades of oversight failure.

🇮🇹 Italy: Morandi Bridge Collapse (2018)

The Genoa bridge collapse claimed 43 lives. Investigations found neglect, underinvestment in infrastructure, and financial mismanagement by private toll operators tied to the government.

🇺🇸 USA: Surfside Condo Collapse (2021)

In Florida, 98 people died when a beachfront condo tower collapsed. Known structural issues were left unaddressed for years. Corruption and negligence were blamed for ignoring reports and delaying repairs.

🇺🇸 USA: NYC Parking Garage (2023)

A garage with 64 prior violations collapsed in Manhattan. Despite its dangerous condition, it remained open—another example of regulatory failure.

🇨🇦 Canada: Political Scandals

Canada’s SNC-Lavalin scandal and the ArriveCAN COVID app fiasco involved millions in public funds being misused. In one case, a simple app built by a university student outperformed the official government version that cost over 20 million dollars.

Small Acts Count Too

In Serbia, people sometimes engage in what locals call “small” corruption—like selling produce for cash without taxes or making homemade rakija and selling it roadside. But corruption isn’t just grand-scale bribery; it includes cutting corners, ignoring rules, or even speeding past a posted limit.

Let’s face it—we’ve all bent the rules at some point.

Why It’s Easier to Spot in Serbia

Corruption here isn’t always hidden. That’s both a curse and a blessing. It allows people to adapt and survive but also makes the problem feel bigger than it actually is. In truth, the scale of corruption in the West is often much worse—it’s just less visible.

Freedom and Flexibility

In Serbia, everyday freedoms are more intact than in many “first-world” countries. From lower government overreach to a thriving informal economy, Serbia offers autonomy many Westerners are losing.

Access and Affordability

While corruption may exist, Serbia remains one of the most affordable and opportunity-rich countries in Europe. Lower taxes, lower cost of living, and a welcoming expat scene make it attractive for digital nomads, retirees, and entrepreneurs.

Navigating Challenges with the Right Help

That’s where we come in. At Relocation Serbia, we help you navigate bureaucracy, avoid common pitfalls, and connect with trusted professionals. We offer full support—from residency applications to real estate and business setup—so you don’t have to go it alone.

Corruption exists everywhere. Serbia is not the exception—it’s just more transparent about it. The key is understanding the system and having the right guidance to work within it.

Relocation Serbia was built to help expats succeed—not by ignoring Serbia’s challenges, but by showing you how to thrive despite them.

Thinking of moving to Serbia but worried about corruption? Let us help you cut through the noise and navigate the system with confidence. Book a consultation with Relocation Serbia today and take the first step toward a smoother relocation.