Spain's embassy in China has confirmed that 19 Spanish customs officers at Malaga airport have been arrested for extorting money from non-European Union passengers, especially Chinese travelers. Five of them have been jailed and 14 granted conditional release.

Passengers reported the extortion and bribes to the Civil Guard in Malaga last week. Police gathered plenty of evidence, including airport camera recordings, showing illegal charging was indeed taking place. Chinese travelers were targeted and charged up to 50 euros (about 480 yuan) to be allowed to pass customs, when excess food, tobacco, alcohol or other prohibited products were found in their luggage.

Mr Gregorio Laso Mostoles, Press Counselor at the Spanish Embassy in Beijing, said that it was the first time that such a scandal had been uncovered in Spain. He also pointed out that Chinese passengers should have reported any unfair or illegal treatment to the local authorities to stop such corruption earlier. He emphasized the importance for both travelers and local officials to follow the custom regulations, whether in Spain or China.

According to members of the Chinese community in Spain, such extortion has become such an established custom in itself that they all warn their friends and relatives to prepare at least 50 euros when traveling through Malaga airport.

The Civil Guard investigation is still ongoing. The arrested officers admitted in statements that some of them had threatened passengers with refusal of entry if they did not pay the bribe. They claimed that taking small bribes was common practice for many customs officers. An official from the Civil Guard said that further arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

Major Mardim Sandijo, spokesperson for the Civil Guard Headquarters in Madrid, expressed his regret that such corruption existed at the gateway to Spain.

(Beijing Today February 20, 2006)