Bribery and corruption in telecommunications – The Republic of Azerbaijan

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature and extent of corruption in the telecommunications sector in Azerbaijan and the associated issues of governance. Design/methodology/approach – A case study examining a wide range of sources on Azerbaijan. Findings – Unusually, perhaps uniquely, ownership of major operators has been concealed. Nonetheless, the presidential family controls one of three mobile operators and has a stake in a second. Research limitations/implications – A law from 2012 conceals the beneficial ownership of some operators, others merely use offshore registries. Originality/value – One of only half a dozen case studies on corruption in telecommunications. It is very unusual in the extent to which ownership of operators is hidden.