Ironically this has also occurred to me.
We had a meeting with the Indonesian Government, and they were ready to sign a MoU.
But one of the parties (worked for Nokia Mesh Division) at the time, that did the introduction(s), said they wanted a salary of 10,000$ (equivalent) via a Dubai vehicle for themselves, and someone else.
Basically at that point we pulled out, due to the discussions being tainted, and under UK law (non
UK company) but UK Citizen, that could have landed me in prison.
Similar in Kenya mentioned previously where the Presidential appointed department head first words on entering the room "whats my cut" - discussions ended -> flew out immediately.
They just can't help themselves, no one can be charged (yourside) if they do their dirty deeds on their side of the relationship and you are unaware.