At one point in my life, I thought corruption was a legal practice in Liberia. Because many individuals who embezzled government funds were transferred to other positions where they carried on the same practice. Instead of being punished for their crimes, they were promoted as if they had done something good. Bribes undermine good governance, harm economic efficiency and development, distorts trade, and penalize citizens around the world. According to the convention, a crime is committed when one offers, promises or gives a bribe to a foreign public official in order to obtain or retain international business deals.
Corruption is as old as man, according to some people.
Others would argue that corruption started with the first family in the Garden of Eden, and that it exists in all human societies - from Genesis to Exodus. Yet, in almost all societies, there are laws against corrupt practices of any kind. If corruption goes unchecked, it will flourish and collapse empires. Unlike a tip that is given as an expression of appreciation for services rendered, bribe, a form of corruption is given to prevent justice or for other dishonest purposes. As we may recall, it was corruption that hastened the downfall of the Roman Empire, so will it destroy those who engage in it - along with innocent people.