Corruption as a social phenomenon hinders the normal development of social life and the legal order. Because of the consequences it causes, it becomes an intolerable hindrance in the implementation of the principles of non-discrimination, equal treatment and freedom of market competition, as well as the development of international economic relations. This paper explains a significant problem that the Republic of Croatia has been facing for a long time, namely the presence of corruption in public procurement procedures. The concept, characteristics and types of corruption are defined, as well as various anti-corruption measures by which the state tries to preserve the legal order. The violation of positive legal and ethical principles is analytically explained. Corruption seriously threatens the fundamental values of society and undermines public trust necessary for the normal functioning of all components of public life. The public procurement system is very complex and requires integrated actions of all its stakeholders to detect and suppress corrupt acts. Corruption in the private sector is almost always linked, directly or indirectly, to corruption in the public sector. The goals of public procurement are rational and efficient management of budget funds and the fight against corruption. Education is a key factor in the fight against corruption, therefore it is justified and necessary to continuously work on the reform of the legal order and on raising public awareness of the danger of corruption and the need to combat it.