Russian officials, who were previously banned from accepting expensive presents as part of the country’s anti-corruption campaign, will now have a chance to buy them out under a new government regulation.
The new rules allow officials to declare within three days any gifts they receive at official events and on business trips. Those gifts must be appraised by experts for their market value, and any worth over 3,000 rubles ($90) will be judged to be federal property.
Officials will receive an opportunity to buy back expensive presents given to them if they apply within two months. Otherwise, the gifts may be sold at auction, donated to a charity or destroyed if they are considered useless.
The regulation applies to all government officials, governors, mayors, Russian lawmakers, judges, staff members of the Central Bank, the Pension Fund, and state corporations including energy giant Gazprom.
Those officials who fail to comply with the rules face a possible reprimand or can be even sacked, according to the new legislation.
Author: Julia Alieva