Pro politicians and the media are the real problem. People of all incomes try to get what they can out of government. Our system is partially geared to self-interest. We fully expect some folks to bend the law. That's why we have regulations and policing and a court system.
Bad cops do far more damage than criminals because they take away the safeguards.
Let's say a few people start running scams on older people and grabbing their money. The State Attorney General gets on the case, nabs the bad guys and hauls them into court. Citizens are forewarned by news coverage of the scam. Now let's say the Attorney General starts helping the swindlers. The Governor and leading politicians join in.