2.12 Receiving a Bribe by a Public Official / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 201(b)(2) is a federal law that makes it a crime for a public official to directly or indirectly solicit, accept, or receive anything of value in return for being influenced in the performance of an official act. The statute specifically prohibits public officials from demanding, seeking, receiving, or agreeing to receive anything of value in return for being influenced in the performance of an official act. The law applies to both elected and appointed officials, and to any person who holds a position of trust or authority under the United States Government. The statute covers two different types of bribery: active bribery and passive bribery. Active bribery occurs when a public official knowingly and willfully solicits, accepts, or receives something of value in return for being influenced in the performance of an official act. Passive bribery occurs when a public official knowingly and willfully fails to report a bribe that was offered or received. The penalty for violating 2.12 Receiving a Bribe by a Public Official / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 201(b)(2) is up to 15 years in prison and a fine. The court may also order restitution and the forfeiture of any property that was used to facilitate the offense.