Female prison guard arrested for extorting MOP78,000 from a prisoner

A female prison guard, aged 33, is suspected of extorting MOP78,000 from a rehabilitated prisoner over a two-year period.

The victim reported the incident to the Judiciary Police (PJ), who are currently investigating whether there are other victims involved.

The suspect had been responsible for guarding the victim in jail.

After the victim’s release from prison in January of 2022, the suspect, aware of the victim’s wealthy background, repeatedly demanded money from her to repay personal debts.

The suspect also threatened to harm the victim’s family and expose her identity to the victim’s employer if she failed to comply.

Fearing for her family’s safety and the risk of losing her job, the victim transferred MOP78,000 to the suspect over two years. Recently, when the suspect demanded an additional MOP180,000, the victim sought police assistance.

The police officer who received the report assigned great importance to it and investigated with the support of the Secretary for Security and the Correctional Services Bureau (DSC).

The suspect, who had blackmailed the victim multiple times throughout the investigation, was apprehended by undercover police at a restaurant.

The DSC expressed deep concern over the case and considered it highly serious and unacceptable, and said that it is cooperating with the judicial authorities and the police in their investigations.

The bureau has emphasized that severe punishment will be administered without compromise and has initiated an internal disciplinary investigation. Relevant personnel have been placed on preventive suspension.

improved disciplinary oversight

The Secretary for Security, Wong Sio Chak, has vowed to improve disciplinary oversight after instances of rule violations by customs officers and prison guards surfaced.

In a recent interview, Wong said relevant departments did not cover up wrongdoing and would investigate legally.

Regarding alleged blackmail by a female prison guard, Wong expressed anger and shock, according to a TDM report.

Upon learning of the PJ case from corrections officials, Wong ordered immediate arrests and a broader probe. The security chief also demanded the prison bureau reevaluate supervision and discipline supervisors if earlier complaints went ignored.

Wong has pledged to strengthen management across security agencies. He will comprehensively review legal frameworks with the chief executive to address shortcomings and prevent future misconduct. Staff Reporter