MOSCOW, February 16 - RAPSI. Bailiffs initiated more criminal cases in 2011 than in 2010, the Federal Bailiff Service told journalists on Thursday.

"The Federal Bailiff Service opened over 68,800 criminal cases in 2011. The number of cases initiated by bailiffs increased by 15.6 percent in 2011 year on year," the service said.

The number of administrative cases opened by bailiffs also rose 30.6 percent compared to 2009.

The service said almost 400 bailiffs were brought to the criminal liability official crimes. Most of the crimes committed were uncovered upon the request and with the support of the service, which indicates its effective anti-corruption activities, the service said.

The service also reported 286 incidents reported by bailiff employees when they were induced to corruption offences. A total of 114 criminal cases were opened against individuals on bribery charges in 2011 compared to 93 cases in 2010.