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Bribery of Government OfficialsMany countries have very strict laws regarding bribery of government officials. For purposes of these laws, a government official can be a government employee, a political party candidate or employee, an employee of a state-owned enterprise, an employee of a public international organization, or anyone acting in an official capacity. If you have any dealings with government officials or manage those who do, contact your Law Department for special guidance and training.The agent or representative:• Was recommended to the company by a government official or third party whose favor we are seeking.• Has close family or other affiliation with a government official or third party whose favor we are seeking.• Requested payment to a third party or to accounts in foreign countries.• Requested reimbursement for poorly documented expenses.• Requested payment that is unusually high for services performed.• Has inconsistencies on expense reports.• Used undisclosed subagents to assist in performing services.No. While bribes often have a financial or quantifiable value, there can be instances when an item of value can still constitute a bribe even if there is no financial amount that can be attributed to the item of value or it is difficult to financially quantify the item of value. Examples can include job offers to family members, introductions to political figures or other people, or personal favors. Always contact a member of the Law Department if you are ever in doubt about the appropriateness of an item of value or if you have questions.Look for Warning SignsCompanies can be held responsible not only for bribes offered by employees, but also by third parties acting on their behalf. We must therefore use great care when hiring and working with third parties who will represent Bridgestone—always looking out for warning signs suggesting that a representative might be engaged in bribery.BRIDGESTONE INTEGRITY IN THE MARKETPLACEAre bribes only items of value that have a financial or quantifiable value? 33From the FieldSEEK ASSISTANCEIf you notice that an agent or representative of Bridgestone exhibits any of these “red flags” for corruption, contact the Law Department.