The European debt crisis has given way to a new wave ofcorruption as some of the most hard-hit countries in the turmoilhave tumbled in an annual graft ranking, watchdog groupTransparency International said.

Greece, in its fifth year of recession and crippled by rounds ofausterity, fell to 94th place from 80th — ranking it below Colombiaand Liberia, according to the group's Corruption Perceptions Index.Ireland, Austria, Malta and Italy were also among member states inthe single currency to slide.

“Transparency International has consistently warned Europe toaddress corruption risks in the public sector to tackle thefinancial crisis, calling for strengthened efforts tocorruption-proof public institutions,” the Berlin-based group saidin a statement accompanying its annual report.