Is it permissible to give a gift to a man who helps a merchant import goods through customs without them being subject to taxes?

The Shaykh: Yes.

The questioner: Peace be upon you.

The Shaykh: And upon you peace.

The questioner : How are you, O Shaykh?

The Shaykh : Praise be to Allah, I am well.

The questioner: May I ask you a question?

The Shaykh: Go ahead.

The questioner: O Shaykh, right now there is a man I want to deal with, or I am dealing with, who will bring in my goods, meaning he will help me smuggle them through customs. He does not work in customs, but he facilitates the method of smuggling them for me. So, is it permissible for me, for example, to reward this man with a gift or something like that? As a reward, for example, to maintain my relationship with him in the future?

The Shaykh: Is he an employee of customs?

The questioner : No.

The Shaykh: No?

The questioner: Just a man who has acquaintances.

The Shaykh: He has acquaintances in customs?

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh: No, it is not permissible.

The questioner : It is not permissible?

The Shaykh : No.

The questioner: Ah, even if it is, for example, as a reward or something like that?

The Shaykh: No, this is in the category of bribery, not in the category of a reward.

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : Yes, exactly.

The questioner: Okay, okay, O Shaykh, could you just give a little detail about the process in this issue?

The Shaykh: I have no details.

The questioner: Okay, peace be upon you.

The Shaykh : And upon you be peace, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.