A handsome reward is waiting for you
In case you are in a financial tight spot, you can get a salary top-up in Peru. Upon arrival at Cusco Airport you are greeted by a poster showing an overview of the most-wanted criminals. In the first row you will also come across a former mayor and a former chief of police. If you play a role in capturing any one of these you are given between 15,000 and 20,000 Soles (€3,500 to €5,000) cash in hand.
The last President of Apurimac Federal State has spent the last couple of months in custody. The mayor of the capital Abancay suffered the same fate. Some of these villains are actually caught and locked up behind bars – with their prize the informants can then embark on a well-deserved holiday, with all the extras.
It encourages me seeing this poster on my way through passport control towards my flight out of Lima. All of us, myself included, can play our part in stopping corruption. Should I detect any corrupt behaviour amongst the border officials I could inform the police at immigration control. It goes without saying that my report would be treated confidentially. Well, to be honest, I am somewhat sceptical. Since there are no financial incentives here, probably no action will ever be taken, should a report be handed in. But would not it be nice to be convinced of the opposite! /KDJ
