China Widens Definition of Bribery to Combat Graft (1/2)

According to the joint legal interpretation, officials can now face prosecution" class="hjdict" word="prosecution" target=_blank>prosecution for corruption" title="n.腐化；贪污；贿赂">corruption even if they do not directly receive a bribe themselves or if they receive bribes after they retire.

The rules say an official can now be charged with corruption" title="n.腐化；贪污；贿赂">corruption if cash, gifts or favors are given to family members or an affiliate with the aim of gaining the official's influence.
The new rules also make it illegal to help arrange bribes.

David Zweig is an expert on China at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He says the rules will make it easier for prosecutors to take oncorrupt officials when there are no records of direct financial transfers.

"My sense is what they are trying to say is 'we are going to catch you.' We are going to catch you when you retire. Do not think you can grab the money now or cut the deal now, help somebody and you will get away with it later. We are going to catch you.'"