Pleasant Valley Promenade v. 120 N.C. App. If a violation of Chapter 75 is found, treble damages must be awarded. We find that the acts of commercial bribery satisfy the first element. The jury found that the defendant paid Pegram in exchange for Pegram's cooperation or assistance in arranging sales and for refusing to entertain quotes or bids from other potential corrugated cardboard suppliers.
Commercial bribery is a crime in North Carolina.
This court has repeatedly held that the violation of regulatory statutes which govern business activities may also be a violation of N.C. Gen. Stat. 75-1.1 whether or not such activities are listed specifically in the regulatory act as a violation of N.C. Gen Stat. 427 N.C. App. Just as a violation of a regulatory statute can constitute an unfair and deceptive act, a violation of a criminal statute can constitute an unfair and deceptive act as well. As to the second element, the jury concluded and we agree that the acts were in and affecting commerce.