Legal Definitions - bribee

A bribee is an individual who accepts a bribe. This means they receive something of value—such as money, gifts, or favors—offered with the intent to improperly influence their actions, decisions, or judgment, often in a way that benefits the briber.

• Example 1: Public Official

  A city council member accepts a substantial cash payment from a real estate developer. In return, the council member votes in favor of rezoning a parcel of land, which allows the developer to build a large commercial complex despite public opposition and environmental concerns.

  In this scenario, the city council member is the bribee because they received money (something of value) specifically to influence their official vote, which is an improper use of their public office.

• Example 2: Private Sector

  A purchasing manager for a large corporation receives an all-expenses-paid luxury vacation from a vendor. Shortly after, the manager approves a new, expensive contract with that vendor, overlooking bids from other suppliers that offered better terms and lower prices.

  Here, the purchasing manager is the bribee because they accepted a valuable gift (the vacation) with the understanding that it would improperly sway their professional decision-making regarding vendor selection, benefiting the vendor at the corporation's expense.

• Example 3: Sports Integrity

  A professional athlete accepts a large sum of money from an illegal gambling syndicate. In exchange, the athlete intentionally performs poorly in a crucial game, ensuring their team loses and allowing the syndicate to profit from bets placed against that team.

  The athlete in this situation is the bribee because they received money to intentionally alter their performance and the outcome of a game, compromising the integrity of the sport for personal gain.