Engaging in theft on the grandest scale, some of the world's most corrupt modern leaders have shamelessly looted their nations' treasuries to fund a life of luxury while their impoverished citizens struggled to make ends meet.

From African despots to Eastern European tyrants, read on to discover 29 of the most notorious rulers ranked in order of the total wealth they reportedly stole.

All dollars amounts in US dollars unless otherwise stated. Figures have been adjusted for inflation.