Two central questions guided the author's research: 1. How can current forms of academic corruption in Russia be defined and described? 2. How can academic corruption in Russia be reduced and which measures are the most effective in solving the problem? To explain the phenomenon of academic corruption, the author uses a rational-choice based principal-agent model as a theoretical framework. The author undertook an empirical field study in Russia in February and March 2009. The interview data evaluated has provided a detailed overview of current problems and methods of reducing academic corruption.