Which of the following is a form of corruption?

• A. Embezzlement
• B. Bribery
• C. Kickbacks
• D. Misappropriation of state resources

Answer: (A)

Corruption means abusing entrusted power for personal gain. Embezzlement fits this idea precisely: it happens when someone who has control or custody of funds—like a government official or a company officer—takes those assets for themselves or uses them inappropriately. That direct misappropriation of resources, done in a position of trust, is a textbook example of corruption because it breaches the fiduciary duty owed to others and turns entrusted assets into personal benefit.

The other items describe related wrongdoing—improper payments, schemes that move value back to insiders, or theft of state resources—but the essence of embezzlement is the misuse of funds you were entrusted with, which is why it’s identified as a form of corruption in this context.