8.13 Receiving Bribe by Public Official (18 U.S.C. Sec. 201(b)(2)) is a federal offense that prohibits public officials from accepting, soliciting, or agreeing to accept anything of value as a bribe in exchange for being influenced in the performance of their official duties. This includes not only cash or monetary payments, but also gifts, promises, or other items of value. The violation of this criminal law is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. There are two types of 8.13 Receiving Bribe by Public Official (18 U.S.C. Sec. 201(b)(2)): active and passive bribery. Active bribery occurs when a public official accepts a bribe. Passive bribery occurs when a public official solicits or agrees to accept a bribe. In both cases, the public official must have the intent to influence the performance of their official duties in exchange for the bribe.