Some crime-busters are forming corrupt links with their counterparts in China to enable them to run drug rings, gambling syndicates and smuggling operations, the ICAC Commissioner warned yesterday.
Michael Leung Man-kin said intelligence revealed that triad gangsters were being used as go-betweens by law enforcement officers on both sides of the border. The Independent Commission Against Corruption was worried by the information and liaising with mainland authorities to stop it.
Mr Leung said: 'There has been collusion between law enforcement officers of Hong Kong and China. We are talking about smuggling, vice activities and drug trafficking across the border.' He said problems often arose as a result of Hong Kong officers owning property or businesses in China.
They were vulnerable to temptation and their premises could end up being used as fronts for criminal operations.
Intelligence from 'various sources' showed a connection between crime-busters and criminals in Hong Kong involved in corruption with mainland officials.
Mr Leung urged the civil service, particularly law enforcement agencies, to ask officers to declare business interests in China. This would make it easier for the ICAC to monitor the situation.
