Based on a report received last year, the CCAC has commenced a criminal investigation into a case involving former leadership staff of the Public Prosecutions Office (MP). Coercive judicial measures have been adopted against the individuals suspected of committing crimes following an order of the relevant judicial body.

It was discovered in the investigation that the former leadership staff of the MP colluded with some managers of private companies in order to have a majority of the contracts of projects and services of the MP adjudicated to those companies. Between 2004 and 2014, the companies got the contracts involving more than MOP167 million by illicit means and the suspects received advantages amounting to no less than MOP44 million.

The former leadership staff of the MP and the companies managers have allegedly committed offences of “fraud”, “unlawful economic advantage”, “power abuse” and “document forgery” under the Penal Code. Upon approval of the relevant judicial body, coercive measures including custody, restriction from departure and suspension from public duties have been adopted against the suspects based on the criminal facts.

Since the case is still undergoing investigation, the CCAC will make further announcements if there is any update on the case. The CCAC pledges that it will continue to make all-out efforts to combat various crimes of corruption and devote to the development of a fair and graft-free society.