CCAC uncovers bribes taking by a customs inspector and another case of passive corruption and abuse of power by a Marine and Water Bureau chief

Not long ago, the CCAC uncovered a case in which a customs inspector allegedly accepted bribes to facilitate the release of an incoming passenger who was intercepted due to the carrying of cash exceeding the statutory amount. The persons involved allegedly committed passive corruption to perform illicit acts and active corruption under the Penal Code. The case has been referred to the Public Prosecutions Office. Following the recommendation of the Public Prosecutions Office, the Court of Criminal Instruction has taken coercive measures against the suspects in accordance with the law, including suspension from public duties and reporting to the competent authorities regularly. According to the information, as his/her client, when entering Macao via the Lotus Flower Bridge Checkpoint, was detained by the customs personnel due to the carrying of cash exceeding the statutory amount, a person engaging in gaming-related activities got in touch with a customs inspector (the suspect surnamed Lok) through another person also engaging in gaming-related activities and a chief officer of the Macao Prison surnamed Wong. Lok was tempted to facilitate the release of the detained passenger by the promise that “tea money” would be offered in return for the help. Subsequently, Lok used his powers to release the detained passenger. During the investigation, it was confessed that an illicit advantage was offered to a public servant through third persons so the detained incoming passenger with excessive cash could be released. Wong, the chief officer of the Macao Prison, was already subject to suspension from public duties and other coercive measures due to bribes taking uncovered by the CCAC this March. Wong and the two persons engaging in gaming-related activities were declared as suspects in this case. The CCAC has also uncovered another case recently, involving a chief of the Marine and Water Bureau who allegedly committed passive corruption to perform illicit acts and abuse of power under the Penal Code. The relevant investigation has been completed and the case has been referred to the Public Prosecutions Office. During its investigation into a passive corruption case involving a leader and a chief of the Marine and Water Bureau in the beginning of this year, the CCAC discovered that, between 2012 and 2015, yet another chief of the Bureau repeatedly abused his powers to solicit and receive illicit advantages from a person in charge of a ferry services company, including free ferry tickets, hotel accommodation and food and beverage. The chief even asked the company to secure jobs for his relatives and friends and reserve some shops at the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal for them to operate businesses. According to the investigation results, the chief had also used his powers to help cover up the irregular practices of the ferry services company on many occasions, so the latter could be free from penalties even though its operations did not comply with the instructions and regulations set out by the Marine and Water Bureau. The CCAC pointed out that the suspects in the above two cases violated the law knowingly and their acts seriously undermined the principle of fairness and justice upheld by the Macao SAR Government in law enforcement. The CCAC will keep a close eye on and continue to combat all kinds of corruption-related offences, with its unwavering determination to develop a fair, corrupt-free society.