Lai Chi-ming, 55, said he returned because his girlfriend was having a baby. He couldn't apply for Hong Kong residency for the baby if he remained a fugitive.

The reason he took bribes in 1984 was related to his children, too, he said. He was HK$20,000 ($2,564) in debt, trying to take care of two young sons after his wife deserted them.

When he investigated an illegal abortion case, the subject offered him a HK$25,000 ($3,200) bribe, which is his salary for about six months.

(Oriental Daily)