The ICAC arrested five police officers for alleged involvement in corruption facilitated criminal activities, including fixing up police investigations and triad activities. One of the criminal investigations involved concerned a Police Constable accused of misusing his service revolver.

The police officers arrested included a Station Sergeant, two Sergeants and two Police Constables.

Sixteen civilians, including operators of vice establishments, restaurants and suspected triad members, were also arrested in a territory-wide operation code-named "Willow Catkins" , which commenced yesterday (Tuesday).

Four other police officers, including a Senior Inspector, another Station Sergeant and another Sergeant, and one Senior Police Constable, were interviewed in connection with the investigation.

ICAC inquiries revealed that one of the Sergeants arrested was closely associated with several triad factions. The Sergeant, together with the Station Sergeant arrested, had been allegedly abusing their authority to protect triad activities.

The Sergeant and one of the Police Constables arrested had also allegedly accepted advantages such as discounted prostitution services and lavish meals from the Sergeant's triad associates.

The Sergeant was suspected to have provided regular tip-offs on impending police enforcement actions against vice dens and soccer bookmaking activities operated by the triad gangs.

The arrestees will be released on bail later tonight. Inquiries are continuing.