Covert corruption

Laws do not work where violators abound. That may explain why those in power choose to get extra benefits by abusing their power en masse, and that they never consider it a form of corruption when more officials are involved.

That dozens of government officials were recently exposed for buying houses meant for displaced residents at much lower prices in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, is a case in point.

The case was revealed on the Internet, with details about those involved. The government has verified it with preliminary investigations. Further investigations will be conducted before penalties are meted out to the offenders.