Bribery Data

(Moscow, Russia) The Russian Interior Ministry oversees economic security by tracking and reporting statistical data on bribery transactions in the country.

Sadly, per transaction bribery amounts have increased dramatically. The ruble value of bribes reportedly more than tripled in 2011 from previous years.

“The size of the average bribe and commercial payoff in reported crimes increased more than 250 percent to 236,000 rubles ($7866),” it said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry also reports that success is being realized in the fight against corruption. So, even though bribery accounts for one-third of all corruption offenses and bribery has increased, overall corruption is reportedly down. Okay, fine.

It would logically seem that data on bribery comes from criminal prosecutions rather than bribers or bribees filling out tax forms. Therefore, the numbers reflect only those criminals arrested for bribery. It's arguable but I'd suggest most bribery goes unreported and most bribery involves government workers.

And being somewhat cynical, I'd also suggest the news reporting of bribery in Russia is less about informing the public and more about informing those offering bribes that the price of doing business has increased dramatically. In other words, Russian authorities are telling people to expect to pay more.