[pepsi_junkie]

I never said I didn't see any wrong doing. I said it's unethical. And I could see admissions people getting arrested for tax issues because I'll bet they aren't declaring a nickel of this. I could also see kids who didn't get in suing the school saying the admission process was bunk and they charged that application fee in bad faith.

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?

[BatGuano]

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.