Former policeman So Hoi-chuen has been charged for accepting free accommodation in Macau from a triad member.

So, 55, now retired, faces one count of conspiracy for a public servant to accept advantages. The suspected triad member Ngan Chun-ming, 44, faced the same conspiracy charge. Both will appear in Kowloon City Magistracy tomorrow.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption investigation arose from a referral by the Police.

The charge alleges So and Ngan conspired together on September 1, 2003 for the former to accept free accommodation at a flat for six months. The advantage was said to be reward for So to treat Ngan favourably. The accommodation was valued at $20,000.

The defendants have been released on bail.