Question

Read the following scenario and answer the question in 5-10 sentences.

You are the CEO of a small company that sells transportation and logistics software. Your company has not been doing well because of competition from larger rivals. You learn of a lucrative opportunity to sell licenses of your software to the Lackria Department of Transportation, a government agency of the nation of Lackria. Closing the deal could save your company from bankruptcy. In an impulsive moment, you meet with a Lackrian government minister and offer her ownership of a luxury lakeside home in exchange for a guaranteed software contract with the Lackrian government. The minister refuses your offer and asks you to leave her office. The next day you regret your decision. Discuss any possible violations of white collar laws.

Answer 1

Your action of offering the Lackrian government ownership of a luxury lakeside home in exchange for a guaranteed software contract with the Lackrian government will be regarded as a white collar crime as it is tantamount to offering a bribe. Bribery and offer to bribe government officials are regarded as a white collar crime and as per the provisions of law will be regarded as a non-violent crime that is committed in a commercial situation for a financial gain. In this context the financial gain is the possibility of getting business from Lackria Department of Transportation. As per the provisions of law your action of offering the Lackrian government ownership of a luxury lakeside home will be regarded as a corrupt solicitation in exchange for an official action. Attempts to bribe a government official are covered under the Modal Penal Code and punishment for attempted bribery is often same as completed bribery. Attempt to bribe is a white collar crime as it will encourage rent seeking behavior and will eventually lead to sub-optimal allocation of resources. This, if and when it happens, will depress the level of economic growth.