Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to examine the question of whether corruption and economic crime can be controlled in developing economies and whether the cost of doing that can be justified. It also explores the implications of corruption in the development of developing economies. Design/methodology/approach -The paper reviews a range of published articles , which offer theoretical and empirical research on corruption, economic crime and development. Themes discussed range from; the causes, implications, controls and the cost of controlling economic crime and corruption in developing economies. Findings -Provides a critical analysis of the debate on corruption and economic crime in developing economies. The paper generally concludes that no single institution can be used to control corruption and economic crime and efforts to control these phenomena need to come from multiple fronts. The best way to tackle corruption in developing countries is through sector-by-sector control and that efforts to eliminate corruption are unlikely to be entirely successful in developing countries, not even in the developed countries. Practical implications -The paper reminds developing countries to adopt measures that best suit their local circumstances in setting up anticorruption agencies/institutions while taking into consideration the borderless nature of crime -economic crime and corruption. Policy makers, especially in developing countries should re-examine both local and international tools for combining economic crime and corruption to ensure development. Originality/value -Although the paper argues along similar lines with the neo-liberal approach to combating economic crime and corruption in developing countries, a major departure of this paper is that it proposes the need for a global effort to corruption and economic crime as a result of the increasing borderless nature of crime in this present age of information communication technology.

Purpose -The global wave of information and communication technologies (ICT) development has become a strong driving force in almost every aspect of development. This paper aims to explore the impact of internet crime on individuals, organisations, businesses and government agencies in both developed and developing countries with special reference to developing countries. Design/methodology/approach -The analysis in this paper is based on extensive review of published research works, which provide theoretical and empirical evidence on the effects and impact of the internet on development. Findings -The paper generally concludes that the internet is overwhelmingly a powerful tool for development. Paradoxically, the internet is a "double-edged sword", providing many opportunities for individuals and organisations to develop but at the same time, has brought with it new opportunities to commit crime. The paper argues that the internet presents new challenges to law enforcement in both developed and developing countries. However, developing countries suffer greatly from the activities of internet crime than their developed counterparts as developing countries have inadequate technology, infrastructure and insufficient law enforcement expertise. Practical implications -This paper reminds individuals, organisations and policy makers alike that internet crime has become a global issue that requires the full participation and cooperation of both developed and developing countries at the international level, as internet crime investigations often require that evidence be traced and collected in more that one country. ICT industries should focus now in designing products that are resistant to crime and can facilitate detection and investigation of crime. Originality/value -A major novelty of this paper is that it traces the historical evolution of the internet and then sketches out some of the innovations the internet has brought as well as considering the negative effects associated with this technology and its impact on development.

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Purpose While the causes and effects of begging are well known, solutions on how to eradicate begging are still elusive in many parts of the developing world. The purpose of this study is to examine the different ways through which community leaders at the local level can contribute to the eradication of begging in one of Ghana’s most densely populated suburbs in the city of Accra. Design/methodology/approach This study was undertaken using the qualitative approach, and primary data was collected through interviews, participants observation and focus group discussions with beggars, community leaders and officials of non-governmental organisations at Nima, a suburb of Accra. Findings Begging in the suburb of Nima is increasingly becoming a business venture. It is no more an activity that is the preserve of only the weak, the poor, the elderly, the physically challenged, the needy and the marginalised in society. This paper argues that the eradication of begging requires multiple approaches and that community-based leaders must play a central role. This paper identified the provision of alternative sources of livelihood, the naming, shaming and condemnation of unjustified begging in the community, strict boarder control, returning foreign beggars to their home countries, the formulation and enforcement of community anti-begging by-laws and regular sensitisation programs on begging as crucial in reducing or eliminating begging. Research limitations/implications While focusing on one Muslim-dominated suburb in Accra ensures a detailed discussion of strategies of eliminating begging from a cultural and religious perspective, the findings of this study may not be applicable to non-Islamic settings and communities where cultural or religious leadership structures do not exist. Practical implications This study has demonstrated that the eradication of begging in society cannot have one-size-fit all solution. This paper shows that in societies where cultural and religious leadership structures exist, they must play important roles in the design and implementation of strategies that seek to reduce or eliminate religious begging in society. This implies that formal government agencies and their associated laws alone will not be enough to eradicate or reduce begging under such contexts. Originality/value Measures to eradicate begging have often ignored the role of community leaders. This paper contributes to our understanding on this by specifically examining the phenomenon of begging at the micro level and exploring the different ways community leaders can contribute to the eradication of begging in society.

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