<p>Complex systems are associated with phenomena that result from multiple interactions and factors that are neither explainable nor observable from traditional perspectives. This article is based on the need to understand the phenomenon of corruption within the framework of a complex system. This need is justified by the lack of clarity about the true dynamics of corruption, its causes, and its consequences in the context of a global effort to combat it without success. To move forward in overcoming this limitation, the objective here is to identify the findings and scope of studies on corruption within the framework of complex systems. To do this, a systematic review of the literature is carried out that combines bibliometric analysis with content analysis. Through the first, trends and their impact on academic publication are identified, while content analysis implies a critical and objective reading of the texts, with which it is possible to establish methodologies, positions, and research advances. Among the results, it is found that there are a high number of studies that address the problem of corruption, mainly trying to explain its causes and typologies. However, there is a predominance of reductionist methodological approaches that do not consider the complexity of the system, which is largely explained by the scant interdisciplinary research. In this sense, an agenda is proposed that explores new analytical approaches and provides better approximations to the paradigm of complexity.</p>