omkooping

Omkooping is the Dutch term for bribery, the act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of someone in a position of authority. It is a form of corruption that can affect public officials, private actors, or both, and is used in the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders) to describe illicit efforts to alter decisions or conduct through gain.

Core elements typically include an intention to influence an official act, such as granting a contract, approving a permit, or swaying a judgment, in exchange for a benefit. The value exchanged can be monetary or non-monetary, and the wrongdoing may involve both active and passive roles—either offering or accepting the incentive.

Legal status and enforcement: Omkooping is criminalized under national penal codes and anti-corruption laws in the Netherlands and Belgium. Penalties commonly include imprisonment, fines, and disqualification from public office or business activities, depending on the scope and severity. Enforcement is carried out by national authorities such as anti-corruption bodies and financial investigators, with cooperation at international levels to combat cross-border bribery. National frameworks are also aligned with international instruments like the United Nations Convention against Corruption and OECD guidelines.

Prevention and implications: Anti-corruption efforts focus on transparency, robust procurement rules, internal controls, audits, whistleblower protections, and sanctions to deter omkooping. Public institutions and large private organizations often adopt compliance programs and risk assessments to detect and prevent bribery, thereby maintaining trust in decision-making processes.