Extortion - Examples

Examples of extortion where a payment is demanded in return for not inflicting personal harm or damage:

• A policeman demands payment in order to allow driver through roadblock.
• A gang demands payment in order not to damage site machinery.

Examples of extortion where a payment is demanded in return for performing a service that is properly due:

• A government official demands payment in order to issue a customs clearance which is properly due.
• A project engineer demands payment in order to certify payment which is properly due to contractor.
• The engineer from the public electricity utility will not connect a construction site to the power supply unless he is given a payment.