bribing

Bribing is the act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of a person in a position of trust. It can occur in both the public and private sectors and may involve money, goods, services, or favors.

Common forms include direct bribery, where a bribe is offered to the official or decision-maker; kickbacks, where a beneficiary pays a portion of a contract to secure business; facilitation payments, intended to speed routine government actions; and bribery of private sector actors through gifts or preferential treatment. Bribery can affect procurement, licensing, contract awards, and regulatory approvals, among other decisions.

Bribery is illegal in most jurisdictions and is widely condemned as unethical. Some countries prohibit all forms of facilitation payments; others permit them under limited circumstances. High-profile laws target both public and private sector bribery, such as anti-corruption statutes and corporate liability regimes. Distinctions are often drawn between bribery, corruption, and influence peddling, with legal definitions varying by country.

Penalties may include criminal charges, fines, imprisonment, and corporate sanctions, along with civil liability and reputational harm. Enforcement relies on investigations, prosecutions, and compliance programs, often with whistleblower protections and international cooperation.

Prevention centers on clear anti-bribery policies, training, due diligence on third parties, robust procurement controls, and strong governance. Organizations strive to create cultures of integrity, transparency, and accountability to reduce bribery risk, implement effective controls, and ensure compliance with applicable laws.