Corruption is dishonest behavior by those in positions of power that erodes public trust and distorts the functioning of institutions. Federal prosecutors take allegations of corruption very seriously, and are aggressive in prosecuting individuals and companies involved in bribery and corruption schemes. In this article, we will explore the nature of federal corruption charges, some recent examples of federal bribery and corruption cases, and the penalties that can result for those convicted of committing these crimes.
While corruption can be found in all types of industries, the federal government tends to prosecute allegations of corruption related to government employees, business managers, and other public officials. These cases often involve allegations of bribery, kickbacks, embezzlement, and fraudulent financial transactions.
The recent FIFA corruption case, which involves high-ranking FIFA officials, is one of the most widespread and far-reaching corruption prosecutions in history. The DOJ’s allegations in the case revolve around bribery, kickbacks, and fraudulent payments from businesses that wanted to secure marketing and media rights for soccer tournaments.
Whether the allegation is against a government employee or a business manager, those accused of corruption face severe penalties. For a government worker, the penalties can include forfeiture of their position and prison time. For a business manager, the penalties can be hefty fines and a loss of reputation. Individuals and companies convicted of bribery and corruption also face increased regulatory scrutiny, which can lead to frequent audits and investigations. This can be expensive and time-consuming for businesses, and can lead to loss of business opportunities.