What is the ruling on paying a sum of money to a customs official to facilitate the sale of a car in exchange for a percentage of its price, knowing that the remainder of the sale price, after the state's due and the official's bribe, will be used to build a house?

The question involves two issues: selling a car for a commission (a percentage of the sale price) and giving a customs officer a sum of money. Regarding the first point, customs brokerage in car sales is considered mediation (simsarah), which is permissible among jurists. As for the second point, if what is given to the customs officer is in exchange for his official duties, then it is a forbidden bribe, and the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, cursed the briber and the bribed. It is advised to withdraw the promise to give the sum to the officer, and if the matter has already occurred, then one must repent and resolve not to return to such an act.