WP5 investigates the role of personal connections and revolving doors in political corruption within selected countries, particularly in a digital context. Its objectives include identifying regulatory loopholes related to conflicts of interest, categorizing types of personal connections and revolving doors used for corrupt practices, and developing a methodology to trace and map these ties in relation to other forms of corruption.

The first task involves creating a compendium and typology of personal connections that sustain political corruption, drawing on a database of relevant cases. This compendium will detail the types of connections exploited, the corruption goals achieved, and any regulatory loopholes utilized, validated through an online workshop with journalists and anti-corruption activists.

The second task focuses on developing a methodology for mapping personal connections and revolving doors, utilizing various data sources like corporate and asset disclosure data. Advanced analytical techniques will assess the links between public officials and private entities, evaluating corruption risks associated with these relationships.

The third task examines contextual factors that either enable or curb the corrupting effects of these connections. By combining quantitative analysis with case studies, this task aims to shed light on corruption risks in public procurement and legislation, while considering established anti-corruption measures like electoral competition. Overall, WP5 seeks to enhance understanding of the influence of personal ties on political corruption and identify strategies to mitigate these practices.