Macau’s Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) has received another report alleging that the Executive Chef of the food and beverage department of an integrated resort enterprise is suspected of soliciting bribes in exchange for recommending others to be employed by the company, assisting them to pass the probation period or renewing their contracts.
CCAC stated that it came to light that the Executive Chef had breached his duty by, between 2023 and 2024, taking advantage of the power derived from his position and the chances of recruitment to solicit advantages such as cash or gifts explicitly or implicitly as kickback for successfully recommending and helping renew contracts.
CCAC further stated that four individuals were implicated in the case, with the Executive Chef suspected of committing the crime of passive bribery in the private sector under the law of Prevention and Suppression of Bribery in the Private Sector.
“Similar cases involving industry misconduct have been repeatedly uncovered in recent years, and society should take them seriously,” CCAC emphasized. “These cases not only involve employment rights but also affect the fair and clean business environment of Maca. The CCAC again appeals to the public to uphold integrity and abide by the law and not to defy the law for illicit gains.
“Employees of private organizations who encounter bribe soliciting or other illegal activities should not give in but report them to the CCAC immediately.”
Bribery cases involving concessionaires have surfaced periodically in recent years. In June, the CCAC reported that, for the first time in 2024, several concessionaires proactively reported subordinates suspected of private bribery offenses.
Incidents involving head chefs soliciting bribes are also not unprecedented. Between September 2020 and February 2023, a former head chef of the catering department at a concessionaire was charged with demanding monthly referral fees ranging from MOP$1,000 to MOP$5,000 (US$125 to US$625) from prospective employees. The total amount involved in the case reached as high as MOP$240,000 (US$30,000).
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