Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed changes to the Criminal Code that decrease the fines that those caught taking or giving bribes will receive.

The changes were posted on the official website for Russian legislation on March 9.

The changes lower the minimum fine for accepting a bribe from 25 times the amount of the bribe to 10 times the amount.

Those caught giving bribes face a minimum fine of five times the amount of the bribe, down from the previous 15 times the amount of the bribe.

Also lowered were fines for large bribes, designated as more than 25,000 rubles (some $400), from 20 times the amount of the bribe to 10 times the amount.

Those convicted of either giving or receiving bribes also have 60 days instead of the previous 30 days to pay off the fine.

Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax