What term refers to payments made to government officials to facilitate operations?

The correct term that refers to payments made to government officials to facilitate operations is bribery. Bribery involves offering money, goods, or services to influence the actions of an official in a position of authority. It is typically aimed at obtaining favorable treatment or to expedite processes that may otherwise be difficult to navigate through legal or bureaucratic means.

This practice is illegal in most jurisdictions as it undermines the rule of law and contributes to corruption within governmental systems. In business contexts, bribery can lead to serious legal repercussions and damage to an organization's reputation.

Other terms mentioned, while related to unethical financial transactions, do not precisely define the act of offering payments for the purpose of influencing a government official. Extortion refers to obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats, which is not the same as the voluntary nature of a bribe. Gifts may imply goodwill and do not inherently contain the intent to influence, while kickbacks are typically associated with returned payments targeted at employees or contractors, not necessarily officials, in exchange for preferential treatment.