Сorruption: contemporary subjects signs, concept

In the foreword, topicality of the problems of corruption, both in Russia and abroad, is determined for which, modern statistical data are provided. The problem of corruption aggravates nowadays for a number of reasons: ineffective activities of authorities, digitalisation and associated new types of consequences of corruption, the merging of representatives of the state apparatus with criminal structures, etc. The article notes that, despite the many scientific works devoted to corruption, we still have no concept of “corruption” proper. At the same time, many researchers note the local nature of corruption crimes. When revealing the concept of “corruption,” the authors here had applied a complex method, analysing the scientific works of representatives of various humanities, both Russian and foreign, which resulted in the identification of signs characterising corruption not only as a legal problem, but also as a general social one. The idea was expressed about the need to develop a single legal international document regulating relations to fight and prevent corruption. Based on the analysis of scientific literature, Russian legislation and judicial practice, a general social concept of corruption and its legal concept were proposed. The formulated conclusions are of theoretical significance for both criminology sections’ development and criminal law science; they are also of practical significance for improving the legal legislative concept of “corruption”.