As a result, the German company managed to speed up government contracts for hundred-million-dollar car purchases.

The payoffs allegedly included lavish gifts – trips, armoured cars, and cash deposits. In some cases, fake bank accounts were set up for fake corporations to make the transactions easier.

Russia is among the 22 nations named in this scheme that allegedly received between 4 and 6 million dollars in the last 4 years. The list of the countries also includes China, Turkey, Egypt, Nigeria, and Iraq.

Russian police say they need more proof.

“We have familiarised ourselves with the charges but so far we haven't received any official documents relating to the case,” Oleg Yelnikov, Ministry of Internal Affaires spokesman, told RT. “Once we get such documents from either the United States or Daimler, we will start an investigation.”

Daimler is expected to make a payment of $180 million – if the settlement is approved by the court on April 1.