Police in Russiaʼs Rostov region have started reimbursing officers the full amount of any bribe they decline. Alexander Rechitsky, head of the Internal Affairs Ministryʼs regional directorate, called the new policy “recognition for officers” steadfast refusal to engage in corruption.” Rechitsky emphasized that his directive reimburses officers “each amount offered, in full, exactly as the bribe-giver proposed.” He did not, however, specify how the ministry is funding the program, how many officers have received payments, or the total sum disbursed under the initiative.

In the past two months alone, Rostov police have charged more than 25 people with attempting to bribe officers. In the first six months of 2025, the authorities identified 767 corruption-related offenses. Officials intercepted 260 bribery attempts, with 135 targeting police officers.