Finnish-Russian Chamber of Commerce withdraws guidebook containing bribery tips

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A book on Russian customs, which gives Finnish businesspeople detailed instructions on offering bribes, has been withdrawn from sale.
      In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Finnish-Russian Chamber of Commerce, which published the book in the spring of 2003, said that the organisation takes a negative view of bribery, which is a crime.
      "The intention of the writers of the book was not to incite anyone to commit bribery, but rather to describe the situation that prevails in Russia", the statement says.
      The office of the Prosecutor General has asked for a copy of the book to see if it gives reason to bring charges of inciting criminal activity.
      The withdrawal of the book has no bearing on a possible criminal investigation, because the possible criminal act has already been committed.
      The book in question has been sold on the website of the Finnish-Russian Chamber of Commerce, and at various events.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Tuomioja criticises bribery advice in book on Russian trade (25.1.2005)
  Book on trade with Russia gives instructions on bribery (21.1.2005)

Links:
  Finnish-Russian Chamber of Commerce website

Helsingin Sanomat