In the U.S. a politician has been charged under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits corporate bribery overseas.
Louisiana congressman, William Jefferson, allegedly received more than $500,000 in bribes and sought millions by using his office to arrange business deals in Nigeria.
The indictment lists racketeering, soliciting bribes, wire fraud, money laundering, obstruction of justice and conspiracy.
According to the indictment, Jefferson told associates he needed cash to pay bribes to Nigeria�s vice president, Atiku Abubakar.
Abubakar has denied the allegations.
Two of Jefferson’s associates have struck plea bargains with prosecutors and have been sentenced.
Brett Pfeffer, a former congressional aide, admitted soliciting bribes on Jefferson’s behalf and was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Another associate, Vernon Jackson, pleaded guilty to paying between $400,000 and $1 million in bribes to Jefferson in exchange for his assistance securing business deals in Nigeria and other African nations. Jackson was sentenced to more than seven years in prison.
Both Pfeffer and Jackson have agreed to cooperate in the case against Jefferson.