Bribery of a Public Official (18 U.S.C. Sec. 201(b)(1)) is a federal crime that involves offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving anything of value with the intent to influence a public official in the performance of their duties. This includes any sort of payment, gift, or other item of value, such as money, goods, services, and promises of future rewards, given with the intent to influence the official's behavior. Public officials covered by this provision include any officer or employee of the United States, a state, or any political subdivision thereof, or any agency of either. There are two main types of Bribery of a Public Official (18 U.S.C. Sec. 201(b)(1)): active bribery and passive bribery. Active bribery occurs when a public official is offered something of value with the intent to influence their official actions or decisions. Passive bribery occurs when a public official accepts something of value, knowing it was intended to influence their official actions or decisions. Both types of bribery are punishable by fines and up to 15 years in prison.