What is Bribery?
Bribery is the act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence the actions of an individual in a position of power or authority. It is a form of corruption that undermines the principles of fairness, integrity, and transparency.
Types of Bribery
- Active bribery: offering or giving a bribe
- Passive bribery: receiving a bribe
- Facilitation payments: small bribes to expedite routine tasks
Examples
Examples of bribery include:
- A company paying a government official to secure a lucrative contract
- A student bribing a teacher for a higher grade
- A police officer accepting money to overlook a traffic violation
Case Studies
In 2019, the Malaysian former prime minister Najib Razak was charged with corruption and bribery in relation to the 1MDB scandal. This case involved billions of dollars being siphoned from a state investment fund.
Impact of Bribery
Bribery has far-reaching consequences, including:
- Undermining trust in institutions
- Distorting competition in the marketplace
- Jeopardizing social and economic development
Statistics
According to Transparency International, bribery is a widespread problem globally, with an estimated $1 trillion paid in bribes each year.
