CCAC probes alleged subsidy fraud in continuing education scheme

The Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) has referred a case to the Public Prosecutions Office after uncovering suspected fraud involving government-subsidized courses under the Continuing Education Development Plan.

The case originated from a report by the Commission of Audit, which raised concerns over possible false records linked to courses offered by a local education institution.

Following an investigation, the CCAC found strong indications that the person-in-charge of the institution and 13 Macau residents allegedly conspired to defraud subsidies under the 2023–2026 program.

The investigation found that, beginning in September 2023, the institution launched multiple subsidized courses. The person-in-charge allegedly used incentives such as supermarket coupons to recruit relatives, friends, and other residents to enroll in courses funded through their individual education accounts under the scheme.

Some of those involved admitted to investigators that they enrolled solely to obtain supermarket coupons and had no intention of attending the courses or learning the content. Others said they never planned to participate in the classes.

The CCAC said the suspected actions may constitute fraud under the Penal Code.

The case has now been transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office for further legal action. The CCAC also reiterated that residents must use public subsidies lawfully, and called on relevant authorities to strengthen oversight to ensure public funds are properly and effectively used.

Meanwhile, the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) said it is highly concerned about the incident.

It added that the scheme has strict regulations and monitoring measures governing institutions’ obligations, as well as instructor and student attendance.

DSEDJ strongly urged all participating institutions and students to comply with laws and regulations, warning students not to engage in illegal behavior due to momentary greed or inducement.