Policeman jailed for taking bribes to help suspect become informer
2000-6-15
A Police Constable was sentenced to three months ’ imprisonment at San Po Kong Court today (Thursday) for accepting $19,000 in bribes from a female suspect in a drug case for helping her become a police informant.
Lau Yip-po, 35, was arrested red-handed by ICAC officers after receiving the bribe money from the suspect in a shopping arcade in Wong Tai Sin.
He pleaded guilty to one count of soliciting $50,000 and one of accepting $19,000 from Yan Sau-yee on May 30, 2000.
The case arose from a corruption complaint. Inquiries revealed that on May 23, 2000, Lau, while patrolling in San Po Kong, stopped and arrested the suspect found to be in possession of 32 grams of suspected heroin.
The suspect was then taken to the Wong Tai Sin Police Station and put on police bail, pending further investigation.
On May 29, 2000, Lau arranged Yan to meet two police officers, who tried to obtain drug intelligence from her.
When Lau met Yan the following day in a shopping arcade in Fung Tak Estate, Wong Tai Sin, he solicited $50,000 from Yan as a reward for helping her become a police informant, so that she could possibly get a lighter sentence if convicted in the drug case.
After taking $19,000 from Yan, Lau was arrested by ICAC officers at the scene.
The prosecution was today represented by Government Counsel Gary Lam, assisted by ICAC officer Lo Cheuk-wa.
Lau Yip-po, 35, was arrested red-handed by ICAC officers after receiving the bribe money from the suspect in a shopping arcade in Wong Tai Sin.
He pleaded guilty to one count of soliciting $50,000 and one of accepting $19,000 from Yan Sau-yee on May 30, 2000.
The case arose from a corruption complaint. Inquiries revealed that on May 23, 2000, Lau, while patrolling in San Po Kong, stopped and arrested the suspect found to be in possession of 32 grams of suspected heroin.
The suspect was then taken to the Wong Tai Sin Police Station and put on police bail, pending further investigation.
On May 29, 2000, Lau arranged Yan to meet two police officers, who tried to obtain drug intelligence from her.
When Lau met Yan the following day in a shopping arcade in Fung Tak Estate, Wong Tai Sin, he solicited $50,000 from Yan as a reward for helping her become a police informant, so that she could possibly get a lighter sentence if convicted in the drug case.
After taking $19,000 from Yan, Lau was arrested by ICAC officers at the scene.
The prosecution was today represented by Government Counsel Gary Lam, assisted by ICAC officer Lo Cheuk-wa.