How to Combat Corruption When Crime Pays So Well

The joke goes like this: The Mexican politician goes to visit his U.S. conterpart and upon arrival is impressed by the American's hilltop mansion and grounds that include a swimming pool. The Mexican leader comments to his host, "I know how much you earn and it's not enough to pay for and maintain such an place. How do you afford it?"

The U.S. politician smiles coyly, lowers his voice and says, "See that highway over there?" pointing to a nearby road, "ten percent of everything that was alloted for it's construction ended up going into this home."

A few years pass and the corrupt U.S. official goes to visit his Mexican counterpart in Mexico. He arrives at the man's personal airstrip and is astounded at the stunningly luxurious and expansive estate which the Mexican politician is showing him. There are multiple bungalows scattered around a central mansion modelled after Versailles. There is a water park, fountains, and a full size soccer field with stands. The American leader comments to his host, "I know how much you earn and it's not enough to pay for and maintain this exuberance of luxury. How do you afford it"

The Mexican politician smiles proudly, lowers his voice and says, "See that highway over there?" His U.S. counterpart looks in the direction his host is pointing but can't see the highway, "No, i don't see the road." The Mexican says, "That's right... one hundred percent of of everything that was alloted for it's construction...."

Take a look at this article, it gives some background to the "WHY" of corruption in Mexico.