Macau’s $100 million man faces bribes trial
MACAU – The largest corruption trial in the history of gambling enclave Macau has opened, with a former minister accused of taking US$100m in bribes.
The BBC reports that Ao Man-long, who served as minister for transport and public works, faces 25 years in jail if he is convicted.
Prosecutors say Mr Ao took bribes in return for approving construction deals in the former Portuguese colony, which was returned to Chinese rule in 1999.
He has not yet entered a plea in the case, which is due to last a month.
Macau is the only resort in China where casino gambling is legal, attracting a flood of foreign investment.
For seven years Mr Ao was the senior official responsible for transport and public works in Macau, overseeing a huge construction boom.
He was arrested in December last year and later charged with 76 offences, including money-laundering, taking bribes and abuse of power.
He is alleged to have accumulated $100m – about 57 times his official income.
Anti-corruption officials say Mr Ao took bribes from at least three property developers – two in Hong Kong and one from mainland China.
The BBC’s Vaudine England reports that the Macau administration has become unpopular for allowing rampant casino development while the gap between rich and poor has continued to widen. ?
Ian Jarrett
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