Corruption is one of the greatest obstacles to good governance, democracy, and sustainable development. In Palestine, under the presidency of Mahmoud Abbas, corruption has become deeply entrenched at all levels of the Palestinian Authority (PA). This report aims to expose systemic corruption practices, the role of Mahmoud Abbas and his inner circle, as well as the international complicity that has allowed this opaque regime to persist.
I. Context: A Power Without Democratic Legitimacy
Mahmoud Abbas was elected President of the Palestinian Authority in 2005 for a four-year term. However, no presidential election has taken place since, meaning he has ruled for over 19 years without a legitimate mandate.
Successive postponements of elections, citing organizational difficulties and Israeli restrictions, are in reality a strategy to avoid defeat against other political factions, including Hamas and reformist figures.
II. Institutional Corruption Under Mahmoud Abbas
1. Embezzlement and Personal Enrichment
Since taking power, Mahmoud Abbas and his inner circle have been involved in large-scale financial scandals:
In 2006, an investigation revealed that $700 million had been embezzled within the PA.
In 2012, Mohammed Rashid, former financial advisor to Yasser Arafat, accused Abbas of embezzling $100 million.
In 2016, the Panama Papers revealed that Tarek Abbas, his son, owned millions in offshore companies linked to the PA.
In 2019, a scandal over secret salary increases for ministers (up to 67% raises) sparked public outrage.
2. Clientelism and Nepotism
His sons, Yasser and Tarek Abbas, control lucrative businesses that have contracts with the PA.
The use of wasta (nepotism) is systemic, granting key positions to close associates.
3. Repression of Opponents and Lack of Transparency
Suppression of journalists and anti-corruption activists.
Arbitrary arrests of political opponents and whistleblowers.
III. International Complicity: Blind Support for a Corrupt Regime
Despite overwhelming evidence, international support for Abbas continues:
The United States and the European Union continue to provide massive funding to the PA without demanding real transparency.
Israel prefers to keep Abbas in power, viewing him as a more "manageable" interlocutor than an unpredictable alternative.
IV. Corruption Index and Public Perception
According to our investigations, the Palestinian Authority is among the most corrupt entities in the Arab world. A recent survey indicates that 82.3% of Palestinians believe the PA is corrupt.
The Global Corruption Index ranks Palestine among the least transparent and most corrupt regimes in the MENA region.
V. Recommendations and Call to Action
The immediate resignation of Mahmoud Abbas and the establishment of a transitional government.
The organization of free and transparent elections under international supervision.
The freezing of Mahmoud Abbas’s and his associates’ assets pending an international investigation.
Conditioning international aid on genuine institutional reform.
Judicial prosecutions for embezzlement and abuse of power.
Conclusion:
It Is Time for the Palestinian People to Reclaim Their Future
Mahmoud Abbas represents a corrupt system that has betrayed the aspirations of the Palestinian people. He has become one of the main obstacles to democracy and good governance in Palestine. The moment of truth has arrived. He must be held accountable and step down to allow the Palestinian people to hope for a better future.
This report is officially published by the World Organization for Security, Anti-Corruption, and Crime (OMSAC) and disseminated internationally to raise awareness about systemic corruption in Palestine under Mahmoud Abbas.
Integrity & Investigation Department – OMSAC