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Hopes for a New Egypt Marred by Pervasive Corruption

(Reuters) Yasmine Saleh - Many Egyptians dread applying for official documents, knowing they may have to spend hours, days or even weeks waiting in grubby offices to complete the paperwork. A finely-tuned system is at work, one that lines the pockets of state employees. Weary citizens list an entire vocabulary of gestures, glances and phrases to show a palm must be greased. "I wish you a trouble-free day" and "Help me buy something nice for the kids" are often accompanied by a knowing smile. A policeman boasted of his technique. He waits outside state buildings where car licenses and other documents are disbursed and offers to speed up routine paperwork in exchange for 50 Egyptian pounds ($8.27) per client. Government officials go along with his scam and in return he gives them easy access to police services. The kickbacks, he said, often total more than his entire salary of 650 Egyptian pounds ($110) per month. A court secretary said he can make up to 1,000 pounds in a day from bribes he takes in exchange for providing access to court documents. His monthly salary is 800 pounds.
2012-04-30 00:00:00
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