It's difficult to pinpoint a single "most corrupt" politician, as corruption is often subjective and depends on the criteria used. However, Ferdinand Marcos the Philippines is frequently cited as one of the most corrupt leaders in modern history.

During his 21 years in power, he and his wife, Imelda, embezzled billions of dollars from the Filipino people. Marcos's extravagant lifestyle and the hidden wealth he accumulated, including properties and luxury goods, highlight the extent of corruption under his rule. His regime was marked by widespread abuse of power and the diversion of public resources for personal gain.

Notorious Politicians and Corruption:

Several high-profile political figures have been accused of extreme corruption, and their actions have had significant global implications:

1. Ferdinand Marcos (Philippines)

• Position: President of the Philippines (1965–1986)
• Corruption Allegations: Marcos and his wife, Imelda, are believed to have embezzled billions of dollars during his 21 years in power. They amassed a fortune while the country faced widespread poverty. Marcos was also accused of diverting foreign aid, taking bribes from businesses, and using government funds for personal use.
• Key Scandal: Marcos was overthrown in 1986 during the People Power Revolution. After his ousting, investigations revealed that he had accumulated an enormous fortune, including properties, artworks, and luxury goods, often obtained through illicit means.

2. Sani Abacha (Nigeria)

• Position: Military Dictator of Nigeria (1993–1998)
• Corruption Allegations: Abacha's regime was one of the most notorious in modern African history for widespread embezzlement. It’s believed that he and his associates stole between $3 billion to $5 billion in state funds.
• Key Scandal: Abacha is said to have laundered money through foreign banks, and his family members were accused of using state funds for their personal enrichment. His death in 1998 did not stop the investigations, and the Nigerian government has continued efforts to recover the stolen assets from international banks.

3. Viktor Yanukovych (Ukraine)

• Position: President of Ukraine (2010–2014)
• Corruption Allegations: Yanukovych and his allies were accused of engaging in extensive corruption during his time in office, involving the embezzlement of state funds, bribery, and using public office to secure personal wealth.
• Key Scandal: Yanukovych was found to have amassed a luxurious lifestyle, including the notorious "Mezhyhirya" residence, a lavish compound with yachts, a zoo, and private museums. He fled to Russia after being ousted during the 2014 Euromaidan protests, and investigations into his corrupt dealings are ongoing.

4. José Eduardo dos Santos (Angola)

• Position: President of Angola (1979–2017)
• Corruption Allegations: Dos Santos and his family were accused of siphoning off the country’s oil wealth, resulting in widespread poverty despite Angola’s vast natural resources. His family controlled a significant portion of the country's economy, including key sectors like diamonds and oil.
• Key Scandal: Dos Santos used his position to enrich himself and his family, with various family members holding key government positions and profiting from state-run businesses. His daughter, Isabel dos Santos, was once dubbed Africa’s richest woman but has faced allegations of embezzling public funds.

5. Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe)

• Position: President of Zimbabwe (1987–2017)
• Corruption Allegations: Mugabe’s rule was marred by widespread corruption, including the diversion of state funds and the enrichment of his family and political allies. His government was accused of financial mismanagement, election rigging, and turning a once-prosperous economy into one of the world’s most dysfunctional.
• Key Scandal: Mugabe’s extended rule was marked by hyperinflation, economic collapse, and the forced displacement of opposition figures. His luxurious lifestyle was in stark contrast to the poverty endured by many Zimbabweans.

6. Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan)

• Position: Prime Minister of Pakistan (1988–1990, 1993–1996)
• Corruption Allegations: Bhutto, a charismatic political figure, faced numerous corruption allegations during her time in power. These included embezzlement of state funds, accepting bribes from international companies, and misusing government resources for personal gain.
• Key Scandal: The Swiss government investigated Bhutto and her family for money laundering in the 1990s, and they were accused of taking kickbacks from defense deals.

7. Nursultan Nazarbayev (Kazakhstan)

• Position: President of Kazakhstan (1991–2019)
• Corruption Allegations: Nazarbayev maintained a stronghold on power for decades, allegedly accumulating wealth through cronyism and the control of Kazakhstan’s vast energy resources.
• Key Scandal: Investigations into Nazarbayev's rule have alleged that his family members became very wealthy during his tenure, with billions of dollars hidden in offshore accounts.

Global Impact of Corruption

Corruption undermines the development and stability of nations. It distorts democratic processes, diminishes public trust in government institutions, stifles economic growth, and increases inequality. Countries with high levels of corruption often experience poor healthcare, education, and infrastructure because resources that should go toward public goods are instead misappropriated.

How Political Corruption is Challenged:

1. Anti-Corruption Campaigns: Many countries and international organisations have taken steps to combat corruption. Bodies like Transparency International work to raise awareness and rank countries based on perceived corruption levels.
2. Whistleblowing & Journalism: Investigative journalists and whistleblowers have played significant roles in exposing corruption. For example, the Panama Papers leak in 2016 revealed how wealthy politicians and businesspeople used offshore accounts to hide their wealth.
3. International Cooperation: Organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank encourage countries to adopt anti-corruption measures, providing technical assistance to help governments fight corruption.

Key Aspects of Political Corruption

1. Bribery: This involves offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence a politician's actions or decisions. It is one of the most common forms of corruption in politics and happens at all levels of government.
2. Embezzlement: This occurs when politicians or government officials illegally appropriate funds or resources intended for public use for personal gain.
3. Nepotism & Cronyism: Political leaders often use their power to appoint relatives, friends, or close associates to key positions, even if they are unqualified. This distorts public institutions and harms the overall functioning of government.
4. Money Laundering: In many cases, corrupt politicians move illicit funds through complex financial systems to disguise their origins, often with the help of international banks or shell companies.
5. Vote Buying & Electoral Fraud: Corrupt politicians may manipulate elections, either by buying votes or by using state resources to rig the electoral process.
6. Misuse of Power & Abuse of Office: This is a broader category where political leaders abuse their power for personal benefit. This can include making decisions that benefit themselves, their family, or their supporters at the expense of the public good.

Designation of Most Corrupt Politician

The "most corrupt politician" designation can be a matter of public opinion or legal evidence, but some politicians have undeniably caused massive harm to their countries through corrupt practices. In many cases, corruption becomes a systemic issue where political power is exploited for personal gain, leading to long-term consequences for citizens and national development. Effective anti-corruption measures and greater accountability are crucial to fighting this pervasive issue.