Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds (Soliciting Bribe) is the illegal and unethical practice of promising or offering something of value (usually money) in exchange for preferential treatment or a business advantage. This type of bribery is illegal under the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits any person or organization from offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving any form of remuneration for the purpose of obtaining, rewarding, or influencing any business related to a program or activity receiving federal funds. There are two types of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds: active and passive. Active bribery involves offering, giving, or promising something of value to a person or entity in exchange for preferential treatment or a business advantage. Passive bribery involves soliciting or receiving something of value in exchange for preferential treatment or a business advantage. The consequences of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds can be severe. Depending on the severity of the offense, it can result in criminal penalties such as prison sentences, fines or both. It can also lead to civil penalties such as exclusion from participating in federal programs, suspension from current contracts and debarment from future contracts.