MOSCOW, July 22 (RAPSI) - The Russian government's legislative commission approved a bill that introduces fines for foreign companies which corrupt practices affect Russia’s interests, according to a statement on the government's website.

The bill amends the Code of Administrative Offenses, according to which a company that “paid an unlawful reward on behalf of a corporation” “outside Russia will be charged with administrative liability if the offense affects Russia’s interests as well as in cases specified in Russia’s international agreements if the corporation was held liable for this offense in another country.”

Under Article 19.28 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, an “unlawful reward on behalf of a corporation” is punishable by a fine that is three to one hundred times the amount of the bribe.

The Government website explains that the bill will ensure that the Code of Administrative Offenses is applied in all cases occurring outside Russia that qualify as an administrative offense under Article 19.28 and affect Russia’s interests.

The bill drafted as part of the 2014-2015 national anti-corruption plan will be discussed at a government meeting.