H.J., Inc., and other customers of Northwestern Bell Corp

H.J., Inc., and other customers of Northwestern Bell Corp. alleged that Northwestern Bell furnished cash and tickets for air travel, plays, and sporting events and had offered employment to members of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in exchange for favorable treatment in rate cases before the commission. A Minnesota statue makes it a felony to bribe public officials, H.J. and other customers brought suit against Northwestern for violation of the criminal bribery statue. Can the customers bring a criminal action?