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Oct 2025Employee of interior design company charged by ICAC for $520,000 bribery over subcontracting renovation worksAn employee of an interior design company was charged by the ICAC yesterday (October 22) for allegedly accepting bribes totalling about $520,000 from seven subcontractors for awarding renovation projects to them.Pang Tsz-yeung, 46, then project supervisor of Elite House Design Limited (Elite House), faces seven counts of agent accepting an advantage, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. He was released on ICAC bail, pending his appearance at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 24) for mention.At the material time, the defendant was a project supervisor of Elite House, an interior design company. He was authorised by the company to select subcontractors for clients’ renovation works. Elite House prohibited its employees from soliciting or accepting advantages from others for matters in relation to its businesses or affairs.The ICAC investigation stemmed from a corruption complaint. It is alleged that between April 2016 and October 2023, the defendant had accepted bribes totalling about $520,000 from seven subcontractors for subcontracting to them Elite House’s renovation projects.The ICAC investigation revealed that the aforesaid subcontractors reluctantly acceded to the defendant’s request for bribes for fear of his authority.Elite House rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.An ICAC spokesperson notes that according to section 9 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, it is an offence for an agent (e.g. employee), without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, to solicit or accept an advantage for an act in relation to his principal's businesses or affairs. Members of the public should reject and report to the ICAC immediately if they are asked to pay bribes in exchange for business contracts. 20
Oct 2025Senior executive of air cargo company and contractor charged by ICAC for US$1.1m-bribes-for aircraft charter agreementAn assistant general manager of air cargo companies and a service contractor were charged by the ICAC this morning (October 20) for allegedly agreeing to accept and offer bribes of over US$1.1 million (equivalent to over HK$8.5 million) for providing air cargo services for the air cargo companies. The case is set for mention in the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon.The defendants are Nelson Lee Yiu-wing, 74, assistant general manager of Shenzhen CNT Global Freight Co., Limited (SZCNT) and CNT Global Freight Co., Limited (HKCNT); and Jason Wan Kim-wah, 69, sole director-cum-shareholder of U.L.D. Group Limited (ULD). They jointly face one count of conspiracy for agents to accept advantages, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.The duo were released on ICAC bail, pending their appearance at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon for mention.The ICAC investigation stemmed from a corruption complaint. SZCNT is an air freight company based in Shenzhen while HKCNT is its office in Hong Kong. At the material time, Lee was responsible for managing daily operations of both companies. ULD was an air cargo services contractor in Hong Kong.The charge alleges that between July and September 2023, Lee and Wan conspired together for Lee to accept from Wan bribes consisting of at least US$1.1 million (equivalent to over HK$8.5 million) for engaging ULD to provide air cargo services for SZCNT.At the material time, SZCNT signed an aircraft charter agreement with ULD. Pursuant to the agreement, ULD was required to provide at least 110 round-trip flights to and from China and the United States for a period of one year. The total value of the agreement sum was over US$57 million (equivalent to over HK$440 million).ICAC investigation revealed that the two defendants had allegedly agreed for Lee to accept a bribe of US$10,000 (equivalent to about HK$78,000) for each round-trip flight. Between July 11 and August 29 2023, Lee accepted bribes totalling US$180,000 (equivalent to about HK$1.4 million). Should ULD be able to honour the agreement by providing 110 round-trip flights, bribes in total would amount to US$1.1 million (equivalent over HK$8.5 million). However, the agreement was subsequently terminated as ULD failed to provide the required services.SZCNT and HKCNT rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case. 15
Oct 2025Property officer and contractors charged by ICAC for fraud over $1m private estate maintenance worksFollowing an intensive investigation into a corruption complaint in relation to building maintenance works of a private residential estate in Shau Kei Wan, a property officer of a property management company and two renovation contractors were charged by the ICAC yesterday (14 October) for allegedly securing various minor works of the estate worth totalling $1 million by fraudulent means, including concealing conflicting interest and submitting false quotations.Lui Kien-fat, 71, former property officer of Kong Shum Union Property Management Company Limited (Kong Shum, now renamed as Kong Shum Smart Management Services Limited (Kong Shum Smart Management Services), faces two counts of fraud, contrary to section 16A of the Theft Ordinance.Mo Man-kai, 68, proprietor of Tai Tung Drainage Water and Electrical Works (Tai Tung); and Wan Man-tin, 68, sole director-cum-shareholder of Golden Way Engineering (China) Limited (Golden Way), each faces one count of fraud.The trio were released on ICAC bail, pending their appearance at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 16) for plea in three separate cases.At the material time, Kong Shum provided property management services to Sun Sing Centre, a private residential estate in Shau Kei Wan. Lui was originally employed by Kong Shum and posted to Sun Sing Centre to assist its Incorporated Owners (IO) in handling procurement matters and overseeing contractors. Kong Shum required its employees to declare conflict of interest in relation to contractors. In early 2023, Lui was directly employed by Sun Sing Centre’s IO as administrative officer.The first case took place between November 2017 and May 2023. Lui had allegedly concealed from the IO of Sun Sing Centre that he was the significant controller of New Century (EMC) Limited (New Century), and with intent to defraud, induced the IO to pay service fees totalling over $290,000 to New Century for installation of an energy-efficient lighting system.Lui had also allegedly concealed from Sun Sing Centre’s IO that he had financial interests in Kwan Kee Engineering Co. (Kwan Kee) to deceive the IO into settling works payments totalling about $380,000 to Kwan Kee for 27 minor maintenance works.ICAC enquiries revealed that New Century and Kwan Kee, both set up by Lui, were directly or indirectly controlled by Lui at the material time.The two other cases also took place when Lui served as property officer and administrative officer of Sun Sing Centre. At the material time, the IO of Sun Sing Centre invited quotations for various works. While three quotations were required for each works project, the relevant quotations were obtained and submitted by Lui to the IO.Between August 2017 and May 2023, Mo, proprietor of Tai Tung, had allegedly made false representations to Sun Sing Centre’s IO that two other engineering companies had issued quotations in relation to 16 maintenance works to induce the IO to award the maintenance works to Tai Tung and settle works payments of over $260,000.Between March and August 2023, Wan, director of Golden Way, had allegedly falsely represented to Sun Sing Centre’s IO that two other engineering companies had issued quotations in relation to a periodic inspection for fixed electrical installations to induce the IO to award the contract to Golden Way and make a payment of about $70,000 to Golden Way.ICAC enquiries revealed that the four engineering companies concerned did not exist or had not submitted any quotations in relation to the works.The ICAC is committed to upholding the highest integrity standards in the property management industry and continues to provide diverse integrity training to enhance practitioners’ anti-corruption knowledge and strengthen their capacity to mitigate corruption risks. The Commission has previously partnered with government departments, regulatory bodies, and professional bodies to host the first “Building Management Summit”, engaging the property management industry and other stakeholders to sustain professional support in fostering safe and comfortable living environments for the public.IO of Sun Sing Centre and Kong Shum Smart Management Services rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case. 13
Oct 2025Mastermind of illegal e-cigarettes trade syndicate and logistics staff among eight charged by ICAC with bribery over product deliveryFollowing an operation codenamed “Heron” and seeking legal advice after conducting an intensive investigation which revealed that a syndicate engaged in the illegal sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) had allegedly delivered e-cigarettes and vaping products to customers through corrupt means, the ICAC today (October 13) charged eight people, including the mastermind of the syndicate and staff members of a logistics company, with total bribes amounting to about $370,000.Three of the defendants were Jerry Cheung Wai-teng, 41, operator of an online shop selling e-cigarette products; Cheung’s wife Chan Mei-kwan, 38; and So Wing-shing, 37, warehouse keeper of the online shop.Five other co-defendants, aged between 27 and 56, were staff members of S.F. Express (Hong Kong) Limited (SF Express), namely Choi Chun-pan, store manager; So Mei-yan and Alda Chung Cheuk-ying, both store assistants; Ng Kwok-hon and Ken Wong Wing-wah, both couriers.Cheung and the five staff members of SF face two counts of conspiracy for agents to accept advantages, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.Cheung, Chan and So Wing-shing jointly face two other charges – one of conspiracy to sell alternative smoking products, contrary to section 15DA(1)(c) of the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance, and one of conspiracy to sell a poison included in Part 1 of the Poison List, contrary to sections 21 and 33(1) of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.All defendants were released on ICAC bail, pending their appearance at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 14) for mention. The prosecution will later apply to transfer the case to the District Court for plea.At the material time, Cheung operated an online shop selling e-cigarettes, and used accounts of him and his wife to receive payments for products sold. So Wing-shing was employed by Cheung to assist in selling and packing e-cigarette products for customers of the online shop.Choi was the store manager posted to an SF store and store assistants So Mei-yan and Chung were his subordinates. Ng and Wong were couriers of another SF store.From April 30, 2022, sale of e-cigarettes has been banned in Hong Kong. To ensure that parcels do not contain prohibited items, including e-cigarettes, SF requires its frontline staff to unpack and check the parcels received. If prohibited items are found, the matter should be reported to a store supervisor.ICAC investigation revealed that e-cigarettes online shop operator Cheung had allegedly approached SF’s store assistant So Mei-yan and courier Ng. Cheung offered to reward the duo for their assistance in delivering e-cigarette products via SF. After So secured Choi’s connivance, she and Ng further sought assistance from colleagues in their respective stores to deliver the parcels. Investigation revealed that between June 2024 and April 2025, the relevant accounts of the online shop received payments totalling about $30 million.One of the charges alleges that between July 2024 and April 2025, Cheung, Choi, So Mei-yan and Chung had conspired together for the three SF staff members to accept bribes totalling about $250,000 from Cheung for accepting delivery orders containing e-cigarette products in breach of SF’s internal policy.Cheung had also allegedly conspired with Ng and Wong by corrupt means for the latter duo accept bribes totalling about $120,000 for accepting delivery orders containing e-cigarette products.The remaining two charges allege that between April 2023 and April 2025, Cheung, Chan and So Wing-shing had conspired together to sell alternative smoking products and a poison included in Part I of the Poisons List, namely nicotine.During operation “Heron” mounted in April 2025, the ICAC seized over 200,000 pieces of vaping products comprising vaping devices and cartridges containing nicotine with a market value of about $20 million, a record seizure of such since the e-cigarettes ban came into effect.The Department of Health and SF rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case. 09
Oct 2025Waitress charged by ICAC for allegedly bribing Labour Department staff in wages and severance payment claimA waitress was charged by the ICAC yesterday (October 8) for allegedly offering bribes consisting of a supermarket voucher and cash worth totalling $350 to two staff members of the Labour Department (LD) for assisting her in filing a claim for wages and severance payment against her former employer. Her offers were rejected by the LD staff.Ting Shuk-fan, 52; faces two counts of offering an advantage to a public servant, contrary to Section 4(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. She was released on ICAC bail, pending her appearance at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 10) for plea.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint referred by the LD. The defendant was employed by a caterer between February 2012 and June 2019. In mid-August 2024, she submitted a claim form to the LD in relation to her claim against the caterer for wages and severance payment.The Employment Ordinance had a statutory time limit of three months for filing a claim for severance payment. Since the defendant filed her claim after the time limit, an Assistant Clerical Officer of the LD assisted her in applying for an extension of the time limit to facilitate her claim and to fix a conciliation meeting between herself and her former employer.One of the charges alleges that on August 30 2024, the defendant offered a supermarket cash voucher worth $50 to the Assistant Clerical Officer of the LD for assisting her in continuing the claim against her former employer. The Assistant Clerical Officer immediately turned down her offer and reported the matter to a supervisor.The defendant was later informed by an Assistant Labour Officer of the LD that the former employer would not send any representative to attend the conciliation meeting as the defendant resigned on her own accord. The Assistant Labour Officer then asked the defendant to pursue the claim with the Labour Tribunal.The other charge alleges that on December 16 2024, the defendant offered $300 in cash to the Assistant Labour Officer for assisting her in continuing the claim against her former employer. The Assistant Labour Officer immediately turned down the offer and reported the matter to a supervisor.The LD rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The ICAC reminds members of the public that bribery is a serious offence carrying a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of $500,000 on conviction. Members of the public should never offer any bribe to civil servants in exchange for assistance or favour.
Oct 2025Employee of interior design company charged by ICAC for $520,000 bribery over subcontracting renovation worksAn employee of an interior design company was charged by the ICAC yesterday (October 22) for allegedly accepting bribes totalling about $520,000 from seven subcontractors for awarding renovation projects to them.Pang Tsz-yeung, 46, then project supervisor of Elite House Design Limited (Elite House), faces seven counts of agent accepting an advantage, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. He was released on ICAC bail, pending his appearance at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 24) for mention.At the material time, the defendant was a project supervisor of Elite House, an interior design company. He was authorised by the company to select subcontractors for clients’ renovation works. Elite House prohibited its employees from soliciting or accepting advantages from others for matters in relation to its businesses or affairs.The ICAC investigation stemmed from a corruption complaint. It is alleged that between April 2016 and October 2023, the defendant had accepted bribes totalling about $520,000 from seven subcontractors for subcontracting to them Elite House’s renovation projects.The ICAC investigation revealed that the aforesaid subcontractors reluctantly acceded to the defendant’s request for bribes for fear of his authority.Elite House rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.An ICAC spokesperson notes that according to section 9 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, it is an offence for an agent (e.g. employee), without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, to solicit or accept an advantage for an act in relation to his principal's businesses or affairs. Members of the public should reject and report to the ICAC immediately if they are asked to pay bribes in exchange for business contracts. 20
Oct 2025Senior executive of air cargo company and contractor charged by ICAC for US$1.1m-bribes-for aircraft charter agreementAn assistant general manager of air cargo companies and a service contractor were charged by the ICAC this morning (October 20) for allegedly agreeing to accept and offer bribes of over US$1.1 million (equivalent to over HK$8.5 million) for providing air cargo services for the air cargo companies. The case is set for mention in the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon.The defendants are Nelson Lee Yiu-wing, 74, assistant general manager of Shenzhen CNT Global Freight Co., Limited (SZCNT) and CNT Global Freight Co., Limited (HKCNT); and Jason Wan Kim-wah, 69, sole director-cum-shareholder of U.L.D. Group Limited (ULD). They jointly face one count of conspiracy for agents to accept advantages, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.The duo were released on ICAC bail, pending their appearance at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon for mention.The ICAC investigation stemmed from a corruption complaint. SZCNT is an air freight company based in Shenzhen while HKCNT is its office in Hong Kong. At the material time, Lee was responsible for managing daily operations of both companies. ULD was an air cargo services contractor in Hong Kong.The charge alleges that between July and September 2023, Lee and Wan conspired together for Lee to accept from Wan bribes consisting of at least US$1.1 million (equivalent to over HK$8.5 million) for engaging ULD to provide air cargo services for SZCNT.At the material time, SZCNT signed an aircraft charter agreement with ULD. Pursuant to the agreement, ULD was required to provide at least 110 round-trip flights to and from China and the United States for a period of one year. The total value of the agreement sum was over US$57 million (equivalent to over HK$440 million).ICAC investigation revealed that the two defendants had allegedly agreed for Lee to accept a bribe of US$10,000 (equivalent to about HK$78,000) for each round-trip flight. Between July 11 and August 29 2023, Lee accepted bribes totalling US$180,000 (equivalent to about HK$1.4 million). Should ULD be able to honour the agreement by providing 110 round-trip flights, bribes in total would amount to US$1.1 million (equivalent over HK$8.5 million). However, the agreement was subsequently terminated as ULD failed to provide the required services.SZCNT and HKCNT rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case. 15
Oct 2025Property officer and contractors charged by ICAC for fraud over $1m private estate maintenance worksFollowing an intensive investigation into a corruption complaint in relation to building maintenance works of a private residential estate in Shau Kei Wan, a property officer of a property management company and two renovation contractors were charged by the ICAC yesterday (14 October) for allegedly securing various minor works of the estate worth totalling $1 million by fraudulent means, including concealing conflicting interest and submitting false quotations.Lui Kien-fat, 71, former property officer of Kong Shum Union Property Management Company Limited (Kong Shum, now renamed as Kong Shum Smart Management Services Limited (Kong Shum Smart Management Services), faces two counts of fraud, contrary to section 16A of the Theft Ordinance.Mo Man-kai, 68, proprietor of Tai Tung Drainage Water and Electrical Works (Tai Tung); and Wan Man-tin, 68, sole director-cum-shareholder of Golden Way Engineering (China) Limited (Golden Way), each faces one count of fraud.The trio were released on ICAC bail, pending their appearance at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 16) for plea in three separate cases.At the material time, Kong Shum provided property management services to Sun Sing Centre, a private residential estate in Shau Kei Wan. Lui was originally employed by Kong Shum and posted to Sun Sing Centre to assist its Incorporated Owners (IO) in handling procurement matters and overseeing contractors. Kong Shum required its employees to declare conflict of interest in relation to contractors. In early 2023, Lui was directly employed by Sun Sing Centre’s IO as administrative officer.The first case took place between November 2017 and May 2023. Lui had allegedly concealed from the IO of Sun Sing Centre that he was the significant controller of New Century (EMC) Limited (New Century), and with intent to defraud, induced the IO to pay service fees totalling over $290,000 to New Century for installation of an energy-efficient lighting system.Lui had also allegedly concealed from Sun Sing Centre’s IO that he had financial interests in Kwan Kee Engineering Co. (Kwan Kee) to deceive the IO into settling works payments totalling about $380,000 to Kwan Kee for 27 minor maintenance works.ICAC enquiries revealed that New Century and Kwan Kee, both set up by Lui, were directly or indirectly controlled by Lui at the material time.The two other cases also took place when Lui served as property officer and administrative officer of Sun Sing Centre. At the material time, the IO of Sun Sing Centre invited quotations for various works. While three quotations were required for each works project, the relevant quotations were obtained and submitted by Lui to the IO.Between August 2017 and May 2023, Mo, proprietor of Tai Tung, had allegedly made false representations to Sun Sing Centre’s IO that two other engineering companies had issued quotations in relation to 16 maintenance works to induce the IO to award the maintenance works to Tai Tung and settle works payments of over $260,000.Between March and August 2023, Wan, director of Golden Way, had allegedly falsely represented to Sun Sing Centre’s IO that two other engineering companies had issued quotations in relation to a periodic inspection for fixed electrical installations to induce the IO to award the contract to Golden Way and make a payment of about $70,000 to Golden Way.ICAC enquiries revealed that the four engineering companies concerned did not exist or had not submitted any quotations in relation to the works.The ICAC is committed to upholding the highest integrity standards in the property management industry and continues to provide diverse integrity training to enhance practitioners’ anti-corruption knowledge and strengthen their capacity to mitigate corruption risks. The Commission has previously partnered with government departments, regulatory bodies, and professional bodies to host the first “Building Management Summit”, engaging the property management industry and other stakeholders to sustain professional support in fostering safe and comfortable living environments for the public.IO of Sun Sing Centre and Kong Shum Smart Management Services rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case. 13
Oct 2025Mastermind of illegal e-cigarettes trade syndicate and logistics staff among eight charged by ICAC with bribery over product deliveryFollowing an operation codenamed “Heron” and seeking legal advice after conducting an intensive investigation which revealed that a syndicate engaged in the illegal sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) had allegedly delivered e-cigarettes and vaping products to customers through corrupt means, the ICAC today (October 13) charged eight people, including the mastermind of the syndicate and staff members of a logistics company, with total bribes amounting to about $370,000.Three of the defendants were Jerry Cheung Wai-teng, 41, operator of an online shop selling e-cigarette products; Cheung’s wife Chan Mei-kwan, 38; and So Wing-shing, 37, warehouse keeper of the online shop.Five other co-defendants, aged between 27 and 56, were staff members of S.F. Express (Hong Kong) Limited (SF Express), namely Choi Chun-pan, store manager; So Mei-yan and Alda Chung Cheuk-ying, both store assistants; Ng Kwok-hon and Ken Wong Wing-wah, both couriers.Cheung and the five staff members of SF face two counts of conspiracy for agents to accept advantages, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.Cheung, Chan and So Wing-shing jointly face two other charges – one of conspiracy to sell alternative smoking products, contrary to section 15DA(1)(c) of the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance, and one of conspiracy to sell a poison included in Part 1 of the Poison List, contrary to sections 21 and 33(1) of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.All defendants were released on ICAC bail, pending their appearance at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 14) for mention. The prosecution will later apply to transfer the case to the District Court for plea.At the material time, Cheung operated an online shop selling e-cigarettes, and used accounts of him and his wife to receive payments for products sold. So Wing-shing was employed by Cheung to assist in selling and packing e-cigarette products for customers of the online shop.Choi was the store manager posted to an SF store and store assistants So Mei-yan and Chung were his subordinates. Ng and Wong were couriers of another SF store.From April 30, 2022, sale of e-cigarettes has been banned in Hong Kong. To ensure that parcels do not contain prohibited items, including e-cigarettes, SF requires its frontline staff to unpack and check the parcels received. If prohibited items are found, the matter should be reported to a store supervisor.ICAC investigation revealed that e-cigarettes online shop operator Cheung had allegedly approached SF’s store assistant So Mei-yan and courier Ng. Cheung offered to reward the duo for their assistance in delivering e-cigarette products via SF. After So secured Choi’s connivance, she and Ng further sought assistance from colleagues in their respective stores to deliver the parcels. Investigation revealed that between June 2024 and April 2025, the relevant accounts of the online shop received payments totalling about $30 million.One of the charges alleges that between July 2024 and April 2025, Cheung, Choi, So Mei-yan and Chung had conspired together for the three SF staff members to accept bribes totalling about $250,000 from Cheung for accepting delivery orders containing e-cigarette products in breach of SF’s internal policy.Cheung had also allegedly conspired with Ng and Wong by corrupt means for the latter duo accept bribes totalling about $120,000 for accepting delivery orders containing e-cigarette products.The remaining two charges allege that between April 2023 and April 2025, Cheung, Chan and So Wing-shing had conspired together to sell alternative smoking products and a poison included in Part I of the Poisons List, namely nicotine.During operation “Heron” mounted in April 2025, the ICAC seized over 200,000 pieces of vaping products comprising vaping devices and cartridges containing nicotine with a market value of about $20 million, a record seizure of such since the e-cigarettes ban came into effect.The Department of Health and SF rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case. 09
Oct 2025Waitress charged by ICAC for allegedly bribing Labour Department staff in wages and severance payment claimA waitress was charged by the ICAC yesterday (October 8) for allegedly offering bribes consisting of a supermarket voucher and cash worth totalling $350 to two staff members of the Labour Department (LD) for assisting her in filing a claim for wages and severance payment against her former employer. Her offers were rejected by the LD staff.Ting Shuk-fan, 52; faces two counts of offering an advantage to a public servant, contrary to Section 4(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. She was released on ICAC bail, pending her appearance at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 10) for plea.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint referred by the LD. The defendant was employed by a caterer between February 2012 and June 2019. In mid-August 2024, she submitted a claim form to the LD in relation to her claim against the caterer for wages and severance payment.The Employment Ordinance had a statutory time limit of three months for filing a claim for severance payment. Since the defendant filed her claim after the time limit, an Assistant Clerical Officer of the LD assisted her in applying for an extension of the time limit to facilitate her claim and to fix a conciliation meeting between herself and her former employer.One of the charges alleges that on August 30 2024, the defendant offered a supermarket cash voucher worth $50 to the Assistant Clerical Officer of the LD for assisting her in continuing the claim against her former employer. The Assistant Clerical Officer immediately turned down her offer and reported the matter to a supervisor.The defendant was later informed by an Assistant Labour Officer of the LD that the former employer would not send any representative to attend the conciliation meeting as the defendant resigned on her own accord. The Assistant Labour Officer then asked the defendant to pursue the claim with the Labour Tribunal.The other charge alleges that on December 16 2024, the defendant offered $300 in cash to the Assistant Labour Officer for assisting her in continuing the claim against her former employer. The Assistant Labour Officer immediately turned down the offer and reported the matter to a supervisor.The LD rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The ICAC reminds members of the public that bribery is a serious offence carrying a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment and a fine of $500,000 on conviction. Members of the public should never offer any bribe to civil servants in exchange for assistance or favour.