Taiwan businessman jailed for 'thanking' police officer with $30,000
2006-3-3
A businessman from Taiwan was today (Friday) sentenced to three months' imprisonment at the Eastern Magistracy for offering an advantage to a police officer who interviewed him in relation to a police investigation.
Chen Chih-chung, 52, charged by the ICAC, today pleaded guilty to one count of offering $30,000 to a Police Constable whilst having dealing with the Hong Kong Government through the Police, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
In sentencing, Magistrate Mr Ian Candy said the court had taken into consideration the defendant's guilty plea and that he was not familiar with the law of Hong Kong.
The court heard that the defendant attended the Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB) office of the Police respectively in December last year and January 2006 in relation to a CCB investigation.
On February 16, 2006, the defendant attended another interview at the CCB office. He was told that the police inquiry had come to an end and legal advice would be sought.
After the interview, the defendant gave the Police Constable a piece of paper, which said "to express my appreciation, can you accept my $30,000?"
The Police Constable refused his offer and reported the incident to his superiors. The case was referred to the ICAC for investigation.
The defendant was arrested by ICAC officers on the same day. When interviewed under caution, the defendant admitted that he had offered the money to the officer to express his gratitude.
The prosecution was today represented by a court prosecutor, assisted by ICAC officer Wong Wai-kit.
Chen Chih-chung, 52, charged by the ICAC, today pleaded guilty to one count of offering $30,000 to a Police Constable whilst having dealing with the Hong Kong Government through the Police, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
In sentencing, Magistrate Mr Ian Candy said the court had taken into consideration the defendant's guilty plea and that he was not familiar with the law of Hong Kong.
The court heard that the defendant attended the Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB) office of the Police respectively in December last year and January 2006 in relation to a CCB investigation.
On February 16, 2006, the defendant attended another interview at the CCB office. He was told that the police inquiry had come to an end and legal advice would be sought.
After the interview, the defendant gave the Police Constable a piece of paper, which said "to express my appreciation, can you accept my $30,000?"
The Police Constable refused his offer and reported the incident to his superiors. The case was referred to the ICAC for investigation.
The defendant was arrested by ICAC officers on the same day. When interviewed under caution, the defendant admitted that he had offered the money to the officer to express his gratitude.
The prosecution was today represented by a court prosecutor, assisted by ICAC officer Wong Wai-kit.