Contradictions and challenges in criminal law counteraction to corruption crimes: an analysis of punishment effectiveness

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of criminal law regulation of liability for corruption offenses in the Russian Federation. Based on a review of scientific publications, judicial data, and law enforcement practice for the period 2018–2024, systemic contradictions and paradoxes of the current punishment system are identified. Key problems are recognized: the prevalence of fines, which are ineffective in terms of deterrence, the virtual absence of confiscation of property as a meaningful measure of criminal liability, and an excessively lenient judicial practice that does not correspond to the high social danger of corruption. The article substantiates the need for a fundamental reform of sanctions for corruption offenses, including the reinstatement of confiscation of property as an additional penalty, the elimination of fines as the primary punishment for serious corruption offenses, and an increase in the proportion of actual prison sentences.