1. What is the legal framework governing bribery in
Belgium?
The offence of bribery and corruption in Belgium is dealt with
in the Belgian Criminal Code (BCC), and notably by the articles
246-252 (public bribery) and articles 504-bis and 504-ter (private
bribery).
2. What constitutes a bribe?
In general, a bribe is defined as a financial or other advantage
given or received etc., with the intention of inducing or rewarding
the improper performance of a relevant function or activity.
The offence of public bribery (article 246 of the BCC) exists
when a person proposes directly or indirectly to a person
exercising public duties (whether in Belgium or abroad), “an
offer, a promise or an advantage, of whatever nature for that
person or for a third party, in order to perform or omit to perform
an act which falls within the scope of that official person’s
function, or which is facilitated by his function.”
