 The federal bribery statute , 18 U.S.C. § 201 ( b ) , criminalizes the corrupt promise or transfer of any thing of value to influence an official act of a federal official , a fraud on the United States , or the commission or omission of any act in violation of the official 's duty . 18 U.S.C. § 201 ( b ) ( 1 ) – ( 2 ) provides : 
