In response to media enquiries, an ICAC spokesperson today (January 25) confirmed that 12 persons, including three police officers, were arrested for alleged corruption in relation to the enforcement action against two nightclubs and their liquor licence applications.

Arrested in the operation codenamed “Mercury”, which commenced yesterday (January 24), were a Superintendent of Police, a Senior Inspector of Police, a Police Constable, two operators and three staff members of the nightclubs and four individuals.

The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint.

Enquiries revealed that the arrested police officers might have accepted a substantial amount of bribes in cash and other forms of advantages from the operators of the nightclubs and their associates as rewards for tipping them off on impending police enforcement action against the nightclubs, assisting the relevant liquor licence applications or abusing their office in conducting unauthorised enquiries.

The Police have rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation.

All the arrestees are being detained by the ICAC. Enquiries are continuing.