You (unfortunately) did the right thing and this is (unfortunately) still common in several Eastern European countries (and elsewhere for example certain areas in India and LATAM) especially outside the central areas. I actively avoid trips/routes that take me through areas where bribing is necessary.
As for "what happens if I refuse" - in anecdotal experience:
- I've seen friends arrested/detained until they paid up (happened 3-4 times).
- I've seen officials attempting to take a bribe "give up" when we acted confused (1-2 times).
- I've seen officials invent very creative excuses about a "EU tax" or "foreigner tax" or "special foreigner tickets".
I want to say this is amusing but honestly the situation is always terrifying and unclear and I actively avoid places with corruption when picking my tourist destinations.
As for "what happens if I refuse" - in anecdotal experience:
- I've seen friends arrested/detained until they paid up (happened 3-4 times).
- I've seen officials attempting to take a bribe "give up" when we acted confused (1-2 times).
- I've seen officials invent very creative excuses about a "EU tax" or "foreigner tax" or "special foreigner tickets".
I want to say this is amusing but honestly the situation is always terrifying and unclear and I actively avoid places with corruption when picking my tourist destinations.