Russian corruption down but bribes bigger

MOSCOW, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Russia's Interior Ministry says a crackdown on corruption is making progress, despite a report that the average bribe more than tripled last year.

The Economic Security Department said the average bribe or commercial payoff in reported crimes jumped to more than $7,800 in 2011, up from $2,000 in 2010.

A number of top officials appeared in court last year for taking bribes, RIA Novosti reported Friday.

While the overall corruption rate has fallen, the cost of bribes is growing for the average Russian.

Statistics show the cost of bribes at public clinics and at the State Automobile Inspectorate has doubled since 2005 to $175. The average monthly salary in Russia is $775, the Russian news agency said.

The Economic Security Department said it has seen a 50 percent increase in the amount of money recovered in corruption cases involving government contracts awarded for healthcare, utilities, construction and education.

"This amounts to about 4.5 billion rubles [$148.6 million] returned to the state budget, organizations and citizens," the government agency said.