Average Russian Bribe Doubles in Value Amid Country's Currency Crisis
MOSCOW — The average bribe paid to officials in Russia has more than doubled to the equivalent of $3,500, a pro-government newspaper reported Friday.
Citing government figures, the average cost of greasing the wheels of the state went from 208,000 rubles to 109,000 rubles since this time last year, according to the Izvestia newspaper.
However, because failing oil prices and Western sanctions have halved the value of the ruble against the dollar, the average bribe in the equivalent dollar amount has not changed since 2014.
The newspaper said that the bribe-takers generally prefer dollars and euros over their home currency.
Izvestia said the data was provided by the Russian Interior Ministry's in-house data center. The department was not immediately available when contacted by NBC News...MORE
