The ICAC on Wednesday charged a police chief inspector and his wife on suspicion of accepting more than HK$1.1 million in bribes from a merchant in exchange for preferential treatment and inside information.

Ho Siu-tung, 38, faces two counts of public servant accepting an advantage under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and three counts of misconduct in public office.

Ho and his wife have been released on bail and will appear at the Eastern Magistracy on Friday before the case is transferred to District Court.

The alleged offence took place between 2021 and 2023, when Ho oversaw investigations of the Wan Chai anti-triad and district crime squads.

While handling a deception case, he became acquainted with the merchant who was also linked to a separate assault case.

The corruption watchdog said Ho pocketed two cash payments of HK$500,000 each, as well as gifts worth HK$140,000, and agreed to "remain favourably disposed" to the merchant while he performed his official duties.

The officer is also accused of divulging internal police information, including the personal data of suspects and other individuals linked to the two cases.

Ho's wife, 36, faces one count of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring a public servant to accept advantages.

The ICAC said the force had rendered their full assistance during the probe.