Russian parliament approves huge jump in fines for bribery

A new anti corruption bill, sponsored by Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev, has been approved by the lower house of the Russian parliament on Tuesday 19th April.

The fine for conviction relating to the offer or promise of mediation in bribe-taking, including the physical handing over of the bribe, will increase to up to 100 times the amount of the bribe given or taken. The fine can range from 25,000 to 500 million rubles (US$880 to US$18 million), and can be combined with a work ban of up to three years.

The bill is part of Medvedev's anti-corruption drive, which has so far yeilded few practical results, according to Russia's RIA Novosti. In January, the Russian interior minister Rashid Nurgaliyev said the number of corruption-related crimes involving top government officials and large bribes increased 100 per cent in 2010 year on year.

While the new law aims to bring Russia closer to international standards in fighting corruption, many have criticised it. The bill provides for a jail sentence as an alternative to a fine, which some say leaves the law open to interpretation and therefore abuse. RIA Novosti says some have suggested the size of bribes might also grow as a result.

The majority of people convicted of bribery in Russia are caught receiving small bribes. According to the presidential envoy to the State Duma (Parliament), Garry Minkh, over 60 per cent of people convicted of bribery in 2010 received a bribe of under 25,000 rubles (US$880).

Transparency International consistently rates Russia as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. In 2010, it placed the country 156th out of 178 in its Corruption Perceptions Index.

In a recent visit to Russia, US Vice President Joe Biden encouraged Russia to fight its "endemic corruption", to implement the rule of law and improve the investment climate.

"Investors are looking for assurances that the legal system treats them fairly and acts on their concerns swiftly," Mr Biden said.

Sources: RIA Novosti, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, BBC News

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