Prevention of Corruption in the Field of Social Protection of the Population: Administrative and Criminal Legal Aspects

Wiktor Branowicki (Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman)
Olena Varhuliak (European University (Private Higher Educational Institution))
Oleksandr Kozlenko (Odessa State University of Internal Affairs)
Roman Melnychuk (European University (Private Higher Educational Institution))
Artur Makarov (Odessa State University of Internal Affairs)

Jurnal Cita Hukum
Vol. 13 No. 3 (2025): Winter Edition

The article examines the problems of preventing corruption in the social protection sector from the point of view of administrative and criminal law aspects. The mechanisms of preventive influence are considered, in particular, the standardization of procedures, internal control, audit, and the implementation of e-government, which contribute to minimizing corruption risks. The criminal law measures of liability for abuse of power, acceptance or provision of illegal benefits, and forgery of documents in the field of social payments are analyzed. The importance of an integrated approach combining administrative and criminal mechanisms is emphasized to increase the transparency, accountability, and efficiency of the social protection system. Examples of foreign practice on the use of electronic platforms and internal audits as means of combating corruption are given. Corruption in the field of social protection of the population is a multifaceted and systemic phenomenon that negatively affects the effectiveness of state policy, the level of trust of citizens in state institutions, and social justice in society. It manifests itself in various forms: from bribery and abuse of official position to manipulation of the distribution of social benefits and subsidies. Administrative mechanisms for combating corruption play an important role in preventing offenses. The introduction of electronic management systems, automation of the processes of distributing social benefits, declaring the income of officials, standardizing application forms, and increasing the transparency of procedures allow minimizing the risks of abuse, increasing the accountability of social protection bodies, and preventing corrupt actions at the early stages. Criminal law measures provided for by the legislation of Ukraine are a necessary condition for effective combating corruption. Strict liability for abuse of power, acceptance or provision of undue benefits, and forgery of documents in the social sector provides a preventive effect, increases the level of discipline among officials, and forms a legal basis for combating corruption.