But what is the parent's crime? Because they are getting arrested too, right? They did't try to bribe a judge or something, they paid off a coach or a bureaucrat at a private institution. What law does that violate?
So, it is only a crime if you bribe a judge?
In bribery there are, at least, two criminals.
The one who offers, and the one who takes.
Others involved, “facilitators,” are guilty as well.
It does not require being a public official either. (Judge)
If one is in a position, (read admissions director, coach etc,)
to influence the outcome of a process, and receives money, or any other “consideration,” to favor the payer, it is a crime. They have violated the “Bribery Law” Giving the coach a car would be a “consideration.” read “value.”
Ethics? No, it is a criminal offense.