Denmark, Gang members bribed prison guard with prostitute

OFF THE WIRE
Source: cphpost.dk/
In return, Bandidos inmates were allowed mobile phones in cells

A 52-year-old prison guard in Copenhagen is facing up to eight years behind bars for allegedly accepting bribes in the form of sex and money from members of biker gang Bandidos.

The guard, who was the former head of the Bandidos section of Copenhagen’s Vestre Fængsel penitentiary, has admitted to accepting a visit in April 2009 from a prostitute arranged by gang members, but denies that it was a bribe.

In return, the prosecution said, Bandidos inmates were allowed to keep their mobile phones in their cells. Additionally, one biker was not punished after failing to return from a furlough on time.

Following the arrest on June 3 of last year, detectives found 27,200 kroner in the man's safe, of which 20,000 kroner was thought to be bribe money from Bandidos – a charge which the defendant continues to deny.

Upon his arrest, the guard was relieved from duty and when the charges were raised he was suspended from his job at the prison.

The verdict is due this week. If the man is found guilty of bribery, he can expect up to six years in prison. He is also charged with abuse of his office for personal gain, a charge which could lead to a two-year prison sentence.