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MOSCOW (AP) — The Moscow construction company executive ticks off bribes typically paid by construction companies here for a long list of permits and inspections needed to build a residential apartment building — or anything else in Russia.

As a result, he estimates that every apartment ends up being 10 to 15 per cent more expensive than it should be, with the additional — but largely hidden — cost ultimately passed on to the consumer.

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Russia has long been seen as extremely corrupt, an assessment backed up by international corruption ratings, with bribery engrained in society. Even before the collapse of communism, a bottle of vodka could smooth the way for a visa or official document and favours to those wielding influence could lead to a good apartment or job. But ask average Russians today how often they give bribes, and the answer is “never” or “not often.”

The reason: Corruption in Russia has become institutionalized and is invisible to most, but it weighs on the price of almost everything, from apples to subway tickets to medical care.