Abstract
Everyday corruption touches millions in the UK—far beyond what official figures capture. Bribery (last 12 months): 16% of UK adults were asked for a bribe; 9% paid at least one bribe. Exposure is higher among 18–40s and among men. Money muling (last 12 months): 11% of UK adults were asked to facilitate money laundering; 7% subsequently did so. Key risk is concentrated among 18–40s; men report higher involvement than women. Where bribery and muling happen: Requests cluster in the private sector (56%), led by finance (23%). Why it matters: Police record only 100–170 corruption offences per year, versus 2,000–3,700 money-laundering offences—a small visible fraction of the behaviour captured by self-reporting. Anonymous online survey of 1,000 UK adults, quota-balanced by age, gender and region; fieldwork July 2023. Exploratory self-report design— interpret as indicative patterns, not precise national rates.