Ex-Hong Kong police inspector jailed 30 months for HK$1.4 million bribery

A former senior police inspector in Hong Kong has been sentenced to 30 months in jail for accepting HK$1.4 million in bribes. Ho Siu-tung, 40, pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office and accepting an advantage as a public servant.

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for undermining public confidence in the Police, eroding Hong Kong’s proud reputation for integrity, and striking at the foundation of the city’s rule of law.

Deputy District Judge Terence Wai stated that Ho's actions "undermined public confidence in the Police, eroding Hong Kong’s proud reputation for integrity, and striking at the foundation of the city’s rule of law." The judge also ordered Ho to repay over HK$1.14 million to the government within 42 months of his release.

According to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Ho, who was posted to Wan Chai District, oversaw criminal investigations. In June 2021, he met a merchant involved in a deception and assault case. Ho recommended dropping the assault investigation and ignored inquiries from his superior, ultimately ordering his subordinate to release the merchant despite being identified as the assailant.

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The judge also ordered the defendant to make restitution of over $1.14 million to the Government, equivalent to the total sum of bribes involved in the present case, within 42 months after serving his jail term.

Over 18 months, Ho accepted two HK$500,000 cash payments and gifts worth over HK$140,000 from the merchant. These gifts included luxury children's clothing, a Chanel handbag, and payments for his mother's medical bills. He also shared sensitive police investigation details, including suspect information and bail statuses, with the merchant and his friend.

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Favourably disposed to the merchant and his friend during relevant investigations, including abusing his authority to extend the Police bail of the suspect in the deception case, and abusing his authority at the merchant’s request to prolong or curtail the relevan