Definition
Bribery of Public Officials refers to offering, promising, or giving advantages to public officials in order to improperly influence their actions or decisions.
Context
Bribery of Public Officials is a core element of Corruption and is heavily regulated under international anti-corruption laws and compliance frameworks. It commonly occurs in connection with public procurement, licensing, and regulatory oversight.
Meaning
Bribery of Public Officials represents a high legal and reputational risk and is subject to strict enforcement, particularly in cross-border business activities.
Example
A payment is made to a public official to accelerate the approval of a license.
Sources
Suggested citation
wirtschaftsforensik.ch Editorial Team: "Bribery of Public Officials", in: Glossary, wirtschaftsforensik.ch, https://wirtschaftsforensik.ch/glossar/bribery-of-public-officials/, accessed April 18, 2026.