Blackmail by government officials

Official blackmail
Extortion by public officials

Nature

Common law extortion is the corrupt collection of an unlawful fee by a public officer through the power of his office. It is a misdemeanour.

Incidence

Blackmail by government officials is a persistent issue affecting both developed and developing nations, undermining public trust and the integrity of governance. Incidents have been reported across continents, with officials leveraging their positions to coerce individuals, businesses, or political opponents for personal or political gain. The clandestine nature of blackmail makes it difficult to quantify, but high-profile cases regularly surface, highlighting its global prevalence and the challenges in ensuring accountability.
In 2023, a notable case emerged in South Africa, where a senior municipal official was arrested for allegedly blackmailing local business owners, threatening to withhold permits unless bribes were paid.