3. Corruption pitfalls
Video 3 – The deadline
Case analysis
John and David
- ● John violates the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (PBO) because he offers a free overseas trip to David and his family as a reward for expediting the evaluation process.
- ● David will also be liable under the law if he accepts John’s offer.
Other points to note
- ● A free overseas trip is an “advantage” under the PBO. Apart from money, advantages also include gifts, loans, rewards, employment, contracts, service, favours, etc. There is no restriction on the amount of value.
- ● While it can be a normal social practice to exchange gifts among colleagues, this should not become the cause of favoritism or distort one’s judgment, actual or perceived, at work. It violates section 9 of the PBO if an advantage is given as an inducement to obtaining assistance in official dealings.