A Macau Prison (EPM) chief officer has been taken into custody after the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) found strong evidence that he had been taking bribes from an inmate.
In a statement on Friday, Macau’s anti-graft agency revealed that the officer, Wong, “has long been receiving rewards from an inmate. In return, the officer would give them special treatment and turn “a blind eye to the inmate’s illegal acts within the prison.”
“Compulsory measures have been adopted addressing the suspect, including suspension from duties and prohibition to leave the region,” CCAC said.
The anti-corruption agency stressed that this is the first time it has uncovered a case involving such a high-ranking officer, and is therefore paying special attention to the case. Furthermore, CCAC is not excluding the possibility that other people might be involved.
For a long period of time, the suspect received a series of rewards from an inmate via one of their visitors. Such offerings included various bottles of expensive wine, some costing up to MOP20,000. Other rewards included luxurious food, such as top quality abalone and ginseng, as well as foreign cosmetics, travel, hospitality, luxurious catering and even accommodation.
“The suspect offered special help to the inmate, by serving as a ‘shelter’ and turning a blind eye to his/her illegal activities,” it added.
Having followed the case closely, CCAC launched an investigation, searching the chief officer’s residence as well as the suspected inmate’s cell.
Macau’s anti-graft agency said it successfully arrested the suspect while he was receiving rewards from the inmate. Evidence was seized at the officer’s residence and, with the cooperation of Macau Prison, CCAC also seized “prohibited items” from the inmate’s cell.
Macau Prison revealed that it has launched an internal investigation into the case and will reinforce “integrity and consciousness training programs” for officers on duty. In a statement, EPM added that it is assessing whether there are any flaws in its current supervision and management systems. CP
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