The Bribery Act - Basics

Who does the Act apply to? 

It applies to both individuals and companies. Both UK and foreign companies are covered, provided they have some operations in the UK. It is a criminal offence for an individual to give or receive a bribe. It is also a corporate offence if a business is found to have failed to prevent bribery.

What are the penalties?

Individuals can face up to 10 years in prison and an unlimited fine. Companies can also face unlimited fines.

What counts as bribery?

In its guide to the Bribery Act, the Ministry of Justice says:

"Very generally, [bribery] is defined as giving someone a financial or other advantage to encourage that person to perform their functions or activities improperly or to reward that person for having already done so."