In her article the author studies the problem of corruption in the high echelons of power in the reign of Catherine II, which is not studied in modern historical science. Analysis of the diplomatic correspondence of British ambassadors with the Secretary of State of Great Britain, as well as their memoirs, led to the conclusion that bribery at the court of the Empress distinguished the first persons of the state: Chancellor A. Bestuzhev-Ryumin, Vice-Chancellor M. Vorontsov, favourite of Catherine G. Potemkin and a number of other officials. The Empress herself was involved in obtaining financial assistance from the English king George III before her accession to the throne. The Grand Duchess was at that time in a very straitened financial situation, needing funds primarily for bribing dignitaries. When she received the money from the king, she promised to pay him "with her services rather than with money". She followed the instructions of the English ambassador on what steps to take, on whom to rely from among the courtiers in the preparation of the Palace coup, passed secret documents to him for review. High-ranking Russian officials often became informants of English diplomats due to either selfish motives or "special" disposition towards Britain — anglophilism. They supplied ambassadors with classified information, for which they received a substantial reward. Although this was treason, they did not suffer any punishment. The author notes that corruption in the high echelons of power existed in many countries, including England itself. In the 18th century ideologists of Enlightenment actively fought against this social evil. But if high- ranking officials in England took bribes from their fellow citizens, the Russian political elite was "famous" for being bribed by representatives of foreign powers. The author concludes that such social evil has not disappeared over time. Corruption continues to exist in many countries, including Russia.