Integrity Focus
Recent ICAC Cases
Jan 2025SFC’s then Associate Director charged by ICAC with conspiracy to pervert course of justice for allegedly advising subjects to cope with market manipulation probe
A then Associate Director of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) was charged by the ICAC today (January 9) with conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice by allegedly providing advice to subjects of an SFC investigation into suspected market manipulation in relation to a listed company on how to conduct themselves in the probe, including destroying potential evidence.
Deng Yingxia, 48, then Associate Director of the SFC posted to Market Misconduct Team of Enforcement Division, faces one count of conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice, contrary to the Common Law and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance. She was released on ICAC bail, pending her appearance at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (January 10) for mention.
The ICAC investigation stemmed from a corruption complaint. After investigation, the ICAC arrested the defendant in an operation jointly carried out with the SFC in April 2024.
At the material time, the SFC was investigating suspected false trading and market manipulation activities in relation to China Gas Industry Investment Holdings Company Limited (the Market Manipulation Investigation). The defendant had access to confidential information of the Market Manipulation Investigation, although she did not take part in investigative work. She was not allowed to divulge such confidential information to unauthorised parties.
It is alleged that between July 15 and 27, 2022, the defendant had conspired with a subject of the Market Manipulation Investigation to pervert the course of public justice. She had allegedly met with that person and other subjects of the investigation, and provided advice on the possible investigative actions of the SFC and how to cope with the SFC probe, including advising them how to answer possible questions posed by the SFC and advising them to destroy potential evidence.
The SFC rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.
The ICAC attaches grave importance to upholding the integrity of Hong Kong’s financial market and has zero tolerance against individuals undermining the fair operation of the market. When it comes to corrupt practices and misconduct involving any public officers, the ICAC will take resolute enforcement actions to uphold justice.