Bribery and Graft

Bribery requires two participants: one to give the bribe, and one to take it. Bribes may be demanded in order for an official to do something he is already paid to do. They may also be demanded in order to bypass laws and regulations.

While bribery includes an intent to influence or be influenced by another for personal gain, which is often difficult to prove, graft only requires that the official gains something of value, not part of his official pay, when doing his work. Large "gifts" qualify as graft.

Bribery and graft can cause serious econimic damage to the economy. Tougher laws need to be established in order to increase the criminal and civil penalties against the corrupt individuals who engage in these practices.