Once upon a time I represented a seller (Australian) against a manufacturer (Houston). The seller's principal routinely traveled internationally with various tools and equipment. He was often questioned about those items by various customs officials. He admittedly paid small "gratuities" to such officials to get on down the road.

At trial I convinced the judge to exclude that evidence because in those circumstances it's just a fact of life in international business.

That said, I don't get where the Buffoon in going with this.