Can you bribe a government official by giving money to their family? Let’s look at the policy for accepting gifts to see how the government’s General Services Agency (GSA) answers that question. The following is from the GSA’s training website https://training.smartpay.gsa.gov/rules-about-gifts:
Accepting Gifts
A gift is
considered to be anything of monetary value. Examples include gratuities,
favors, discounts, entertainment, hospitality, loan, forbearance (forgiveness
of a loan), services, training, transportation, travel, meals, lodging, etc.
An employee shall not, directly or
indirectly, solicit or accept a gift from a prohibited source or a gift that is
offered because of the employee's official position.
·
Direct acceptance means you, the account holder,
accept the gift.
·
Indirect acceptance means that someone gives a
gift, with your knowledge and acquiescence, to your spouse or child, a sibling
or other dependent relative because of that person's relationship to you. A
gift could also be indirectly given to a charitable organization, at your
recommendation or designation.
