Rare decays as a probe for new physics

We discuss the indirect search for new degrees of freedom beyond the Standard Model, within flavour physics. In particular, we analyse the minimal flavour violation hypothesis and its phenomenological implications, especially the large-tan beta scenario in supersymmetric models, and also compare it with the constrained minimal flavour violation scenario. Moreover, we briefly discuss some recent progress in inclusive b --> s transitions and present a status report of the so-called K pi puzzle.