Recent ICAC Cases

11
Jul 2024
Former apparel manufacturer employee charged by ICAC for using false quotations and receipts to swindle $480,000

A former Executive Assistant of an apparel manufacturer was charged by the ICAC today (July 11) for allegedly using false quotations and receipts in relation to repair works of her employer’s properties to swindle approximately $480,000.

Rachel Chong Shui-kwan, 32, former Executive Assistant of Sterling and Grant Limited (SGL), faces nine charges of agent using document with intent to deceive her principal, contrary to Section 9(3) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. She was released on ICAC bail, pending her appearance at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (July 12) for mention.

The investigation arose from a corruption complaint. Upon completion of the investigation, the ICAC sought legal advice from the Department of Justice, which advised charges be laid against the defendant. As an Executive Assistant of SLG, the defendant, apart from handling daily administrative work of SGL, was also responsible for handling leasing matters, including renovation and repair works, of two residential units owned by her employer.

Before the commencement of each works order, the defendant was required to seek approval from her employer and provide relevant quotation for the latter’s confirmation. After completion of the works, the defendant had to submit the quotation or receipt issued by the responsible contractor to the company for processing payments.

Between July 2020 and January 2021, the defendant allegedly submitted false quotations and receipts to SGL on nine occasions, misleading the company that the above documents were issued by a decoration contractor and that the relevant works were completed. As a result, SGL paid a total of around $480,000 to the contractor for settling the works payments.

The ICAC enquiries revealed that the abovementioned contractor had never issued the said quotations and receipts. A large proportion of the said payments were eventually deposited into the defendant’s personal bank account.

SGL rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.

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