MOSCOW, August 20 (RAPSI) - The Russian Government has submitted a bill to the State Duma that would impose legal liability on foreign companies for corrupt practices against Russia’s interests outside Russia, the cabinet of ministers reports Thursday.

As announced on the cabinet of ministers’ website, the bill will expand the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses with a provision that would hold a company liable for an unlawful gift or reward given outside Russia if the purpose of it is against Russia’s interests as well as in cases specified in Russia’s international agreements if the company has not been charged with bribery in its own country.

The website says the Code of Administrative Offenses would be expanded to specify that a foreign company involved in corruption against Russia’s interests outside Russia would be charged with administrative liability in accordance with general practice.

The bill was heard and approved by the government on August 13, 2015. Developed by the Ministry of Justice, it is pursuant to the 2014-2015 National Anti-Corruption Plan approved by the President.