Between 2018 and 2025, Peru doubled its rate of corruption complaints, according to the Peruvian Institute of Economics (IPE) and INCORE (Regional Competitiveness Index). The study found that the complaints mainly concern institutional performance and corruption control; these increased from 5.2 to 10.9 per thousand public employees.
According to the report, the departments of Ucayali (jungle region) and Ancash (highlands region) recorded the highest rates of corruption complaints; followed mainly by Moquegua, Ayacucho (both in the central highlands) and Tumbes (in the north of the country); while only the department of Pasco reduced its complaints during the same period.
The increase in corruption complaints is an indicator that citizens, journalists, or public servants are using reporting channels more frequently to report irregularities. Still, it also reflects a real increase in illicit conduct within public institutions. This situation leads to a deterioration in institutional trust and undermines the legitimacy of the authorities.
Twelve regions at very high or high risk of corruption
The study also assessed the Subnational Integrity Risk Index (IRIS), finding that twelve regions face a very high or high risk of corruption and distrust;. In comparison, another 11 regions face medium-high risks and two regions face medium-low risk.
It should be noted that IRIS is an indicator that assesses the State’s ability to detect and punish corruption, as well as public trust in public administration and institutions.