Bribery and Facilitation Fees
FSPC purchased two packaging machines for the distribution center and ten pizza ovens from a supplier in Italy. Between the shipping costs, delays, and unanticipated duties, the purchasing manager was worried that his boss would be upset about the total costs. In an effort to reduce costs, the manager offered a US Customs officer $500 in cash to re-classify the imported goods to reduce the amount of duties owed.
Analyze the legal and ethical ramifications of the purchasing manager's offer to the customs official?
Would it make a difference if the purchasing manager offered to donate $500 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital if the officer expedited the paperwork necessary to release the goods from custom's custody?