The richer Russian companies bribe or bully the tax inspectors to go away, leaving foreigners as the softest target.

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The online video accuses McCain of "cozying up" to the "cronies" of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who pleaded guilty in 2006 to federal charges of fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials.

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And UK law recognised that: even to the extent that a bribe was an allowable expense on a corporate tax return.

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He has been accused of embezzlement, tax fraud and false accounting, and attempting to bribe a judge.

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Such lobbying expenses are the price, the extra tax, one has to pay to stop them interfering perhaps, rather than the bribe direct.

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