Bribery

Bribery is giving someone (often an official or politician) something of value to encourage them to act or think or promise to act in a particular way. In other words, bribery is paying an official money in exchange for a favor. Bribery is considered a felony and a white collar crime. For example, Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham (California) is serving an eight-year prison term after pleading guilty in 2005 to taking $2.4 million in bribes in exchange for millions of dollars in government contracts.