kleptocrat

From klepto- +‎ -crat.

• IPA^(key): /ˈklɛptəˌkɹæt/

• Audio (General American):

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kleptocrat (plural kleptocrats)

1. A ruling figure in a kleptocracy.
   • 1997, Diamond Jered, Guns, Germs, and Steel, W. W. Norton & Co, page 276:

     The difference between a kleptocrat and a wise statesman is merely on of degree: a matter of just how large a percentage of the tribute extracted from producers is retained by the elite, and how much the commoners appreciate the public uses to which the redistributed tribute is put.

   • 2022 May 5, Kara Scannell and Zachary Cohen, “DOJ unwinds complex web in hunt for Russian wealth belonging to Putin and influential players”, in CNN‎^[1]:

     Adams repeatedly sidestepped questions about whether the Justice Department is taking specific steps to seize assets belonging to Putin but suggested that prosecutors have mapped out how the Russian President and wealthy kleptocrats are attempting to hide their money.

   • 2023 December 8, Stephen Collinson, “How the impasse over Ukraine aid could have critical global ramifications”, in CNN‎^[2]:

     “We’re forking over more taxpayer money so some Ukrainian kleptocrat can buy a bigger house,” Ramaswamy said in a furious exchange on Fox News on Thursday, when he was asked why he would be comfortable “giving up” Eastern Europe to Russia.

   • 2024 September 27, Jess Daly, “Russia Evading US Sanctions Through Shell Companies”, in UNITED24 Media‎^[3], retrieved 2 October 2024:

     Kleptocrats pose a serious threat to global security as this money can be used for espionage, terrorism, political manipulation, disinformation, and many other nefarious purposes.