Corruption

Putin drafts bill on criminal responsibility for graft mediation

The Russian president has drafted a bill that would introduce hefty fines or prison time for acting as a middleman in commercial graft. At the same time punishment would be softer for first-time offenders convicted of graft and bribery.

According to the document published on the lower house’s official website on Tuesday, mediation in graft schemes committed by representatives of private businesses as well as promises of such mediation must be punished with a fine up to 700,000 rubles (about $10,450), or between 20 and 40 times the size of the offered bribe. It can also ban certain official positions from being occupied, or up to four years in prison.

The bill covers not only direct money payments, but also transfers of securities, property or property rights and services.