For companies doing business on a global scale, the temptation to pay foreign officials to secure favorable treatment or otherwise advance business objectives is ever-present. But it is often unlawful.

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

The anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) generally prohibit any offer, payment, promise or authorization to pay money or anything of value—cash, computer equipment, medical supplies, vehicles, travel and entertainment—to any foreign official, foreign political party or candidate for public office, in an attempt to influence any act or decision that may lead to obtaining or retaining business.