The Secret Bribes That Almost Broke a Country

The provided text explains Operation Car Wash, a massive corruption scandal in Brazil where government officials, oil companies, and construction firms engaged in bribery to steal billions of dollars. The scheme centered around Petrobras, the national oil company, where companies paid bribes for lucrative contracts, with the money then flowing to officials and politicians. Key figures, including Brazil's former president, were imprisoned as a result of the investigation, which is described as the largest corruption probe in Brazilian history. The scandal highlights how corruption can significantly harm public services and emphasizes the importance of public awareness and oversight to prevent such abuses of power.