Investigation into corrupt policeman claims

Police chief Zacharias Chrysostomou has ordered a disciplinary investigation into claims made against an officer based in Famagusta, who allegedly asked a motorist to give him money in exchange for not fining him after he was caught driving intoxicated, police said on Thursday.
The officer, who was arrested on Wednesday, has been released and suspended until investigations are over, police said.
The incident was reported by a tourist who claimed that last Thursday, he was asked by the officer, who was on traffic control duty at the Larnaca-Ayia Napa motorway, to pay him €100 so that he would not issue him a €300 fine after his breathalyser test showed he had consumed more than twice the permitted alcohol consumption limit.
The tourist reportedly gave him all the money he had on him, around €90, and the officer let him go. The tourist later reported the incident to the police.
The officer faces charges for bribery, money extortion by a civil servant to show favour, abuse of power, and breach of trust.

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