Police in Russia's Rostov region have begun reimbursing officers for bribes they declined as a way to promote anti-corruption behavior, according to Alexander Rechitsky, head of the regional Interior Ministry department.
"We've recently implemented a policy where officers receive compensation equivalent to bribe amounts they rejected while demonstrating consistent anti-corruption conduct," Rechitsky explained.
However, he noted that criminal proceedings continue against those attempting bribery. Specifically, 25 bribery cases (Article 291 of the Criminal Code) have been filed in the region over the past two months.
Evgeny Smirnov, a lawyer working with the "First Department," told "Agency" that such funds are classified as evidence in bribery cases and typically become state property, transferred to the federal budget.
Valeria Vetoshkina, an attorney with "OVD-Info," pointed out to "Agency" that Russian law lacks provisions permitting bribe reimbursement for police officers.
"Linking rewards to bribe amounts breaches budget laws and bonus regulations. Incentives must follow approved guidelines—not come from confiscated money or match criminal proceeds. This approach may violate financial regulations and carry corruption risks," she stated.