Prosecutors allege bad driver bribes at Puerto Rico DMV

Prosecutors allege bad-driver

bribes at Puerto Rico DMV

SAN JUAN (AP):

Authorities in Puerto Rico said they have charged 38 people in a scheme that let people pay bribes to get licences or evade fines.

Justice Secretary Cesar Miranda said most are government employees accused of accepting bribes to eliminate traffic tickets, alter categories on driver's licenses and award licences to people who skipped required tests.

He said yesterday that those charged include a state police officer, three employees with the island's Treasury Department and nine civilians. The other suspects are employees with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Officials said charges cover acts that began more than a year ago at seven DMV centres across the island.