Moscow: A Moscow traffic policeman, who refused to accept a $1.5 million bribe and turned in the attempted briber, is set to receive a state award for his honesty as Russia celebrates a 'rare breakthrough' in its fight against rampant graft. The officer will receive a commendation and a 100,000 ruble ($3,220) bonus, state-owned RIA Novosti news agency quoted Interior Ministry as saying.
A 30-year-old native of the Far Eastern Federal District offered 45 million ruble ($1.5 million) to the officer for illegally registering and issuing documents for around 300 imported trucks. The man was arrested on Wednesday as he tried to hand over part of the money. Criminal proceedings have been launched and an investigation is underway.
The unusual gesture of the officer's honesty comes as Russia achieves a rare breakthrough in its fight against rampant graft. Russia ranked 133rd of 174 countries in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index by the Transparency International watchdog, alongside Iran, Kazakhstan and Honduras. Last year alone, 40 Moscow administration officials were convicted of a criminal offence and there are currently 80 criminal cases pending consideration, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Saturday said in an interview with Russia's NTV television channel.
However, according to a November opinion poll by All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion (VTsIOM), 38 per cent Russians believe the country's anti-corruption campaign has not produced any meaningful results, with 13 per cent saying corruption keeps getting worse.
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