Macau Prison entrance
The Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) has released allegations that a Macau Prison (EPM) guard took bribes from an inmate to smuggle various prohibited items into the prison, including luxury products such as expensive watches and wine.
The case appears to be related to a similar incident reported in March, involving an EPM chief officer who was taken into custody after CCAC found that he had been accepting bribes from the same inmate.
Yesterday, CCAC said in a statement that it launched an operation a few days ago, which resulted in the prison guard being taken into custody. He was found to be carrying items that he was planning to deliver to the prison. Other items were seized at his home and at a shop he runs.
CCAC added that all of the people involved in the case have allegedly committed several crimes, namely the offering and accepting of bribes.
The correctional officer was suspended with immediate effect and is not allowed to leave Macau.
According to CCAC, the guard involved was responsible for monitoring inmates and ensuring security and order within prison cells.
The inmate offered bribes to the officer through a visitor, including luxurious food, ginseng, deer antlers, prestigious wines, branded cosmetics, travel tickets, hotel accommodation, and even a promise of providing him with a well-paid job abroad.
“In return, the prison guard repeatedly smuggled prohibited items such as food, seasoning, tea leaves, pharmaceuticals, religious ornaments, branded sports shoes, and luxurious watches into the prison for the inmate’s enjoyment,” CCAC said.
During the investigation, the prison guard conceded that he had accepted bribes from the inmate in exchange for smuggling various items into the prison on several occasions.
The Macau Prison issued a statement yesterday stating that it is paying close attention to the case and is actively cooperating with CCAC. EPM added that it will launch an internal probe into the case.
EPM stressed that it will continue to improve the education programs of prison staff in order to promote integrity and ethics.
Meanwhile, CCAC yesterday revealed another case of forgery – this time by a Public Security Police Force agent who is accused of forging work attendance sheets.
CCAC found that, between 2010 and 2014, the sergeant repeatedly came into work late and left early. At times, he left work for more than two hours while he should have been on duty. Furthermore, he also left Macau due to personal matters during regular or extra working hours.
He then forged his attendance record sheets in an attempt to deceive his superior and make him believe that the agent had carried out all his duties during the designated schedule.
The case has been referred to the Public Prosecutions Office for further investigation. CP
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