findings iII: Justice and corruption Extortion Police fines and extortion were reported by a vast majority of respondents as being ubiquitous when attempting to move through the camps or outside of the camps. These fees could be levied as punishment for breaking rules related to movement, such as travelling outside the camp for work, or circumventing checkpoints by crawling under fences, or they could be requested as bribes at checkpoints to allow for travel outside of the camps or between camps. Feedback from respondents indicates there is widespread belief that the police are in the camps in order to make money from the Rohingya, rather than to protect them. Criminal activity has not decreased, and many believe that the police even encourage crime because they are able to make money off bribes from both the victims and the perpetrators. “If a criminal is punished, another 10 criminals stop committing crimes due to fear,” said Hassan, a 30-year-old Rohingya man. “So that would decrease the crime rate here. But now, there are some officers who encourage crimes in the camp so that they can exploit and take extortions. They encourage bad people to commit more crimes so that they can get bribes. They want to increase the crime rate among us. They don’t want to decrease it at all.” 74 According to respondents, victims must also pay bribes in order for the police to take their case. Simultaneously, perpetrators pay bribes to escape punishment. In short, justice goes to whoever can pay the most. “No one gets justice here without the use of money or bribe,” said Rahim, a 24-year-old Rohingya man. “If we’re able to give money as bribe to police or CIC staff then they will help us to win the case whether or not he is a criminal.” 75Moreover, bribes must be paid for everything, including, but not limited to, crossing checkpoints, working, shopping, seeking healthcare, and driving a vehicle. They are also needed to participate in important cultural activities, such as weddings, funerals, and holidays. The police are reported to target people wearing nice clothes as they think that they will be able to extort them for more money. Rohingya respondents reported varying amounts of money extorted, ranging from 20-150,000 BDT (0.20-1,500 USD). there are some officers who encourage crimes in the camp so that they can exploit and take extortions. They encourage bad people to commit more crimes so that they can get bribes. They want to increase the crime rate among us. They don’t want to decrease it at all.” 74 75 Interview C10M Interview C22M 44