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Ethical Decision MakingRecent ICAC Cases
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Feb 2026Vice president of secretarial company charged by ICAC with bribery for diverting business to rivalA former vice president of a secretarial company was charged by the ICAC today (February 23) for allegedly accepting bribes totalling over $67,000 for secretly diverting three clients to a business rival.So Shuk-yi Betty, 59, former vice president of SWCS Corporate Services Group (Hong Kong) Limited (SWCS), faces six counts of agent accepting an advantage, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance; and two counts of fraud, contrary to section 16A(1) of the Theft Ordinance.The defendant was released on ICAC bail, pending her appearance for mention at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday (February 25).SWCS is a corporate service company which provided company secretarial and compliance services. Between March 2021 and December 2023, the defendant received service requests from three clients, including preparation of internal control review report, drafting annual report, and notarisation and apostille services.The six bribery charges allege that the defendant accepted bribes totalling over $67,000 from a director of R&T Corporate Services Limited (RTCS) for secretly referring contracts worth $400,000 of three clients of SWCS to RTCS.The two fraud charges allege that the defendant made false representations to one of the three clients that SWCS was unable to provide the relevant services, and with intent to defraud, induced the client to engage RTCS to provide the services at $30,000 in total.SWCS rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case. 20
Feb 2026Then bank employee charged by ICAC in court for allegedly accepting bribes from intermediary over accounts openingA then bank employee appeared in the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts this morning (February 20) for mention after being charged by the ICAC for allegedly accepting RMB500 in bribe for each client referred by an intermediary in successfully opening a bank account.Pan Xiuzhen, 30, former relationship manager of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (Standard Chartered Bank), faced one count of conspiracy for an agent to accept an advantage, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.No plea was taken when the defendant appeared in court today. The case was adjourned to April 17 for mention and the defendant was granted bail.At the material time, the defendant was posted to a branch of Standard Chartered Bank in Central. Her duties included assisting new clients in opening bank accounts.The charge alleged that between November 2023 and April 2024, the defendant had accepted from an intermediary a bribe of RMB500 for each bank account successfully opened with Standard Chartered Bank for clients referred by the intermediary.The ICAC investigation stemmed from a corruption complaint. Enquiries revealed that at the material time, the defendant had allegedly assisted 16 clients referred by the intermediary to open bank accounts successfully and accepted bribes totalling RMB8,000.Standard Chartered Bank rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Benny Chang. 13
Feb 2026Twenty-two arrested by ICAC for suspected corruption in seven grand renovation projects preventing award of contracts worth over $100 millionThe ICAC mounted a law enforcement operation codenamed “Lion Rock” this week (February 9 and 10) to combat suspected corruption and other related illicit activities involving the grand renovation projects of seven housing estates and buildings across the territory, arresting a total of 22 individuals.The arrestees, aged between 36 and 78, are 17 men and five women, including the directors and staff members of four project consultancy firms and three project contractors, as well as some of the chairpersons of incorporated owners (IO) of the estates and buildings concerned.During the operation, search warrants were executed by ICAC officers to conduct searches at multiple locations, including offices of the project consultancy firms and project contractors. Various exhibits were also seized, including the relevant tender and works documents, as well as banking and accounting records.The operation involved the grand renovation projects at three housing estates, three residential buildings and an industrial building across the territory in Tsuen Wan, Sham Shui Po, Tai Kok Tsui, San Po Kong, Kwun Tong, Sheung Wan and Shau Kei Wan. The individual contract sum ranged from $2 million to over $100 million, while the total contract sum amounts to over $200 million. Two of the projects, worth totalling over $100 million, were still at the preparatory stage. The ICAC’s operation prevented the award of the two contracts concerned.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint alleging that certain project contractors might have offered bribes to project consultancy firms and IO members for securing the grand renovation projects of the housing estates and buildings by corrupt means.The ICAC investigation revealed that the project consultancy firms and the project contractors had fabricated their accounting records to cover up dubious incomes and expenses. The investigation also revealed that one of the IO chairpersons had allegedly divulged confidential tender interview questions upon the request of a project consultancy firm to assist the latter in securing a consultancy contract.As the relevant corruption investigation is continuing, the ICAC does not rule out further law enforcement actions.Following the enforcement action, the ICAC had proactively contacted relevant stakeholders of the housing estates and buildings concerned, reminding them to stay vigilant to corruption risks when handling the projects.The ICAC has always attached great importance to corruption in building management and maintenance, adopting a three-pronged strategy of law enforcement, systemic prevention and community education in tackling these cases. The ICAC will continue to work closely with other government departments and organisations in combating corruption and other illicit activities in building maintenance works.The ICAC urges members of the public and relevant industry practitioners that if they suspect corruption in building maintenance, they should report to the ICAC immediately through its 24-hour hotline (25 266 366). 10
Feb 2026Duo plead guilty as ICAC graft probe reveals pharmaceutical wholesaler $1.1m service fees fraudA then general manager of a pharmaceutical wholesaler charged by the ICAC today (February 10) pleaded guilty at the District Court to deceiving the wholesaler into paying service fees totalling about $1.1 million by making false representations that consultancy services were provided by a secretarial services company operated by his subordinate. A director of the secretarial services company concerned pleaded guilty to money laundering.Watson Yau Wei-ching, 56, then general manager of Kingworld Medicine Healthcare Limited (Kingworld Medicine); pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud, contrary to section 16A of the Theft Ordinance. Another charge of fraud against him was left on court file.Co-defendant Chau Pak-ho, 41, director cum shareholder of Asia Great Services Limited (Asia Great), pleaded guilty to one count of dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence (commonly known as money laundering), contrary to section 25(1) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.Judge Mr Ernest Lin Kam-hung adjourned the case to July 24 for sentence and remanded the duo in custody of the Correctional Services Department.The above offences were revealed in an ICAC investigation arising from a corruption complaint. At the material time, Kingworld Medicine was a distributor and wholesaler of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products in Hong Kong and the Mainland. Yau oversaw the sales and marketing of Kingworld’s products. Meanwhile, Chau and a subordinate of Yau were the directors and shareholders of Asia Great which provided secretarial and accounting services to clients.The court heard that between February 2017 and May 2022, Yau submitted to Kingworld Medicine seven invoices issued by Asia Great purporting that consultancy services in relation to food nutrient labelling, legal regulations and import and export licensing were provided to Kingworld Medicine so as to induce it to pay consultancy services fees totalling over $530,000 to Asia Great.Yau also asked Hong Kong Ling Feng Advertising Company Limited (Ling Feng), a contracted advertising agency of Kingworld Medicine, to assist him in reimbursing consultancy services fees of Asia Great. He made false representations to Ling Feng that Asia Great had provided consultancy services to Kingworld, and told Ling Feng that it could make payment to Asia Great by deducting the amount prepaid by Kingworld Medicine to Ling Feng under an annual advertising contract.Between March 2019 and September 2023, Yau submitted six invoices issued by Asia Great to Ling Feng to induce the latter to pay consultancy services fees totalling over $540,000 to Asia Great on behalf of Kingworld Medicine.ICAC enquiries revealed that Asia Great had never provided any services to Kingworld Medicine despite receiving service fees totalling about $1.1 million. Chau assisted in dealing with $180,000 and transferred the sum to Yau.Co-defendant Alen Yu Yuen-to, then marketing officer of Kingworld Medicine and director cum shareholder of Asia Great, earlier pleaded not guilty to two counts of fraud. His case was set for trial on July 6.Kingworld Medicine rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The prosecution was today represented by Senior Public Prosecutor Cherry Chong, assisted by ICAC officer Giggs Poon. 02
Feb 2026Then bank employee charged for alleged breach of POBO by disclosing ICAC probe into family memberA then bank employee was charged by the ICAC last Friday (January 30) for allegedly breaching the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO) by disclosing an ICAC investigation to a family member, having learned that he was a subject of an on-going ICAC investigation.Lau Shui-ngo, 43, former customer services manager of Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited (Chiyu Bank), faces one count of disclosing the identity, etc. of a person being investigated, contrary to section 30(1)(a) of the POBO. She was released on ICAC bail, pending her appearance at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (February 3) for plea.In late January 2025, the ICAC sent a letter to Chiyu Bank requesting information in respect of an account for an on-going investigation. In early February 2025, Chiyu Bank provided the ICAC letter to the Tokwawan Branch, as the account was opened thereat. At the material time, the defendant was the customer services manager of the Tokwawan Branch of Chiyu Bank. Among other duties, she was responsible for handling matters arising from requests of law enforcement agencies. The defendant was therefore authorised to peruse the letter. She then became aware that the account was opened by her family member. The letter carried a reminder that the request and the information contained in it were confidential and should be carefully protected as disclosure might amount to an offence under the POBO.The charge alleges that between February and July 2025, the defendant, knowing or suspecting that an investigation in respect of an offence alleged or suspected to have been committed under the POBO was taking place, disclosed to the said family member that he was the subject of an ICAC investigation without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.Chiyu Bank rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.Under section 30 of the POBO, any person who discloses details of investigation or the identity of the subject person without lawful authority or reasonable excuse shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a maximum penalty of one-year imprisonment and a fine of $25,000.
Feb 2026Vice president of secretarial company charged by ICAC with bribery for diverting business to rivalA former vice president of a secretarial company was charged by the ICAC today (February 23) for allegedly accepting bribes totalling over $67,000 for secretly diverting three clients to a business rival.So Shuk-yi Betty, 59, former vice president of SWCS Corporate Services Group (Hong Kong) Limited (SWCS), faces six counts of agent accepting an advantage, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance; and two counts of fraud, contrary to section 16A(1) of the Theft Ordinance.The defendant was released on ICAC bail, pending her appearance for mention at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday (February 25).SWCS is a corporate service company which provided company secretarial and compliance services. Between March 2021 and December 2023, the defendant received service requests from three clients, including preparation of internal control review report, drafting annual report, and notarisation and apostille services.The six bribery charges allege that the defendant accepted bribes totalling over $67,000 from a director of R&T Corporate Services Limited (RTCS) for secretly referring contracts worth $400,000 of three clients of SWCS to RTCS.The two fraud charges allege that the defendant made false representations to one of the three clients that SWCS was unable to provide the relevant services, and with intent to defraud, induced the client to engage RTCS to provide the services at $30,000 in total.SWCS rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case. 20
Feb 2026Then bank employee charged by ICAC in court for allegedly accepting bribes from intermediary over accounts openingA then bank employee appeared in the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts this morning (February 20) for mention after being charged by the ICAC for allegedly accepting RMB500 in bribe for each client referred by an intermediary in successfully opening a bank account.Pan Xiuzhen, 30, former relationship manager of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (Standard Chartered Bank), faced one count of conspiracy for an agent to accept an advantage, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.No plea was taken when the defendant appeared in court today. The case was adjourned to April 17 for mention and the defendant was granted bail.At the material time, the defendant was posted to a branch of Standard Chartered Bank in Central. Her duties included assisting new clients in opening bank accounts.The charge alleged that between November 2023 and April 2024, the defendant had accepted from an intermediary a bribe of RMB500 for each bank account successfully opened with Standard Chartered Bank for clients referred by the intermediary.The ICAC investigation stemmed from a corruption complaint. Enquiries revealed that at the material time, the defendant had allegedly assisted 16 clients referred by the intermediary to open bank accounts successfully and accepted bribes totalling RMB8,000.Standard Chartered Bank rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Benny Chang. 13
Feb 2026Twenty-two arrested by ICAC for suspected corruption in seven grand renovation projects preventing award of contracts worth over $100 millionThe ICAC mounted a law enforcement operation codenamed “Lion Rock” this week (February 9 and 10) to combat suspected corruption and other related illicit activities involving the grand renovation projects of seven housing estates and buildings across the territory, arresting a total of 22 individuals.The arrestees, aged between 36 and 78, are 17 men and five women, including the directors and staff members of four project consultancy firms and three project contractors, as well as some of the chairpersons of incorporated owners (IO) of the estates and buildings concerned.During the operation, search warrants were executed by ICAC officers to conduct searches at multiple locations, including offices of the project consultancy firms and project contractors. Various exhibits were also seized, including the relevant tender and works documents, as well as banking and accounting records.The operation involved the grand renovation projects at three housing estates, three residential buildings and an industrial building across the territory in Tsuen Wan, Sham Shui Po, Tai Kok Tsui, San Po Kong, Kwun Tong, Sheung Wan and Shau Kei Wan. The individual contract sum ranged from $2 million to over $100 million, while the total contract sum amounts to over $200 million. Two of the projects, worth totalling over $100 million, were still at the preparatory stage. The ICAC’s operation prevented the award of the two contracts concerned.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint alleging that certain project contractors might have offered bribes to project consultancy firms and IO members for securing the grand renovation projects of the housing estates and buildings by corrupt means.The ICAC investigation revealed that the project consultancy firms and the project contractors had fabricated their accounting records to cover up dubious incomes and expenses. The investigation also revealed that one of the IO chairpersons had allegedly divulged confidential tender interview questions upon the request of a project consultancy firm to assist the latter in securing a consultancy contract.As the relevant corruption investigation is continuing, the ICAC does not rule out further law enforcement actions.Following the enforcement action, the ICAC had proactively contacted relevant stakeholders of the housing estates and buildings concerned, reminding them to stay vigilant to corruption risks when handling the projects.The ICAC has always attached great importance to corruption in building management and maintenance, adopting a three-pronged strategy of law enforcement, systemic prevention and community education in tackling these cases. The ICAC will continue to work closely with other government departments and organisations in combating corruption and other illicit activities in building maintenance works.The ICAC urges members of the public and relevant industry practitioners that if they suspect corruption in building maintenance, they should report to the ICAC immediately through its 24-hour hotline (25 266 366). 10
Feb 2026Duo plead guilty as ICAC graft probe reveals pharmaceutical wholesaler $1.1m service fees fraudA then general manager of a pharmaceutical wholesaler charged by the ICAC today (February 10) pleaded guilty at the District Court to deceiving the wholesaler into paying service fees totalling about $1.1 million by making false representations that consultancy services were provided by a secretarial services company operated by his subordinate. A director of the secretarial services company concerned pleaded guilty to money laundering.Watson Yau Wei-ching, 56, then general manager of Kingworld Medicine Healthcare Limited (Kingworld Medicine); pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud, contrary to section 16A of the Theft Ordinance. Another charge of fraud against him was left on court file.Co-defendant Chau Pak-ho, 41, director cum shareholder of Asia Great Services Limited (Asia Great), pleaded guilty to one count of dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence (commonly known as money laundering), contrary to section 25(1) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.Judge Mr Ernest Lin Kam-hung adjourned the case to July 24 for sentence and remanded the duo in custody of the Correctional Services Department.The above offences were revealed in an ICAC investigation arising from a corruption complaint. At the material time, Kingworld Medicine was a distributor and wholesaler of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products in Hong Kong and the Mainland. Yau oversaw the sales and marketing of Kingworld’s products. Meanwhile, Chau and a subordinate of Yau were the directors and shareholders of Asia Great which provided secretarial and accounting services to clients.The court heard that between February 2017 and May 2022, Yau submitted to Kingworld Medicine seven invoices issued by Asia Great purporting that consultancy services in relation to food nutrient labelling, legal regulations and import and export licensing were provided to Kingworld Medicine so as to induce it to pay consultancy services fees totalling over $530,000 to Asia Great.Yau also asked Hong Kong Ling Feng Advertising Company Limited (Ling Feng), a contracted advertising agency of Kingworld Medicine, to assist him in reimbursing consultancy services fees of Asia Great. He made false representations to Ling Feng that Asia Great had provided consultancy services to Kingworld, and told Ling Feng that it could make payment to Asia Great by deducting the amount prepaid by Kingworld Medicine to Ling Feng under an annual advertising contract.Between March 2019 and September 2023, Yau submitted six invoices issued by Asia Great to Ling Feng to induce the latter to pay consultancy services fees totalling over $540,000 to Asia Great on behalf of Kingworld Medicine.ICAC enquiries revealed that Asia Great had never provided any services to Kingworld Medicine despite receiving service fees totalling about $1.1 million. Chau assisted in dealing with $180,000 and transferred the sum to Yau.Co-defendant Alen Yu Yuen-to, then marketing officer of Kingworld Medicine and director cum shareholder of Asia Great, earlier pleaded not guilty to two counts of fraud. His case was set for trial on July 6.Kingworld Medicine rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The prosecution was today represented by Senior Public Prosecutor Cherry Chong, assisted by ICAC officer Giggs Poon. 02
Feb 2026Then bank employee charged for alleged breach of POBO by disclosing ICAC probe into family memberA then bank employee was charged by the ICAC last Friday (January 30) for allegedly breaching the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO) by disclosing an ICAC investigation to a family member, having learned that he was a subject of an on-going ICAC investigation.Lau Shui-ngo, 43, former customer services manager of Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited (Chiyu Bank), faces one count of disclosing the identity, etc. of a person being investigated, contrary to section 30(1)(a) of the POBO. She was released on ICAC bail, pending her appearance at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (February 3) for plea.In late January 2025, the ICAC sent a letter to Chiyu Bank requesting information in respect of an account for an on-going investigation. In early February 2025, Chiyu Bank provided the ICAC letter to the Tokwawan Branch, as the account was opened thereat. At the material time, the defendant was the customer services manager of the Tokwawan Branch of Chiyu Bank. Among other duties, she was responsible for handling matters arising from requests of law enforcement agencies. The defendant was therefore authorised to peruse the letter. She then became aware that the account was opened by her family member. The letter carried a reminder that the request and the information contained in it were confidential and should be carefully protected as disclosure might amount to an offence under the POBO.The charge alleges that between February and July 2025, the defendant, knowing or suspecting that an investigation in respect of an offence alleged or suspected to have been committed under the POBO was taking place, disclosed to the said family member that he was the subject of an ICAC investigation without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.Chiyu Bank rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.Under section 30 of the POBO, any person who discloses details of investigation or the identity of the subject person without lawful authority or reasonable excuse shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a maximum penalty of one-year imprisonment and a fine of $25,000.