Thief, Corruptor and Survivor

There seems to be no distinction between theft and corruption. Both terms simply refer to unlawful acts of taking property that does not belong to the perpetrator. So what is the distinction between theft and corruption?

“KPK interrogates inactive East Kolaka regent Andy Merya as suspected disaster fund thief” reads the headline of an online media report.

There is something in the headline of this news article that arouses curiosity, with this particular media portal choosing the word “thief” rather than “corruption” in referring to the suspect under investigation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Is this term appropriate? Why did the media choose the word “thief” over “corruption”?