A Mainland tourist, charged by the ICAC, was today (Friday) sentenced to four months’ imprisonment at Fanling Magistracy for bribing an immigration officer for letting her leave a border control point.

Wang Hongjie, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of offering an advantage to a public servant, contrary to Section 4(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.

In sentencing, Deputy Magistrate Mr Eric Cheung Kwan-ming said a custodial sentence was warranted as bribing a public servant was a serious offence.

The court heard that on December 18, 2008, the defendant, who was in a group of Mainland tourists, was intercepted at the Lok Ma Chau control point upon her arrival in Hong Kong.

While waiting inside a room at the control point, the defendant requested to go to the washroom, and was accompanied by a Senior Immigration Assistant of the Immigration Department.

Inside the washroom, the defendant showed her wallet to the Senior Immigration Assistant, and said in Putonghua: “Let me go and I will give you money. Let’s be friends.” The Senior Immigration Assistant refused her offer.

On her way back to the waiting room, the defendant again made the same offer. Her offer was rejected by the Senior Immigration Assistant again.

The Senior Immigration Assistant reported the matter to her senior officers immediately. A report was subsequently made to the ICAC.

After being arrested by ICAC officers, the defendant made admission under caution, the court was told.

The prosecution was today represented by Public Prosecutor Margaret Lau, assisted by ICAC officer Albert Kam.