The Public Prosecutions Office announced that a former Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT) official has been placed under pre-trial detention alongside another two individuals, following an investigation carried out by the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC). They face charges of corruption, money laundering and forgery of documents.
The Prosecutions Office did not identify any of the suspected involved in the case, but earlier today (Friday), public service broadcaster TDM and online news outlet All About Macau said the former official at stake is former DSSOPT director Li Canfeng, citing information provided by CCAC.
The Office says it had analysed an investigation report released in 2018 by CCAC, which revealed the existence of infringements in several construction projects carried out in Macau.
CCAC completed a preliminary investigation and referred eight suspects involved to the Public Prosecutions Office for the purpose of further investigation, a press release states.
The same note issued by the Prosecutions Office added that the investigation found that a former DSSOPT official had received illegal advantages from other individuals involved, with the condition of providing them with support in various construction projects, in order to ensure that their requests were approved or approved as soon as possible.
On the other hand, the defendants are suspected of having resorted to sneaky means to disguise the origin of the funds involved and proceed with their illegal transfer.
The Office adds that the former senior civil servant in question in collusion with an individual helped a family member of the former DSSOPT official to apply to the relevant authority for the acquisition of residence through investment. This was done through the fictitious acquisition of shares. The request was eventually approved, the Prosecutions Office reveals.
After the interrogation of the eight suspects, taking into account the seriousness of the facts and the considerably high value of the benefits and amounts involved, the Criminal Investigation Judge applied, as coercive measures, the preventive detention for three of suspects. The remaining five will need to present themselves to the authorities on a regular basis, cannot leave the SAR and are banned from contacting the other suspects.
