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Ethical Decision MakingRecent ICAC Cases
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May 2026Two years’ jail for then chairman of listed company charged by ICAC over $2.4m fraud involving inflated tax on saloon purchaseA then chairman of a listed company, charged by the ICAC, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment at the District Court today (May 7) for deceiving the company into paying about $2.4 million by inflating the first registration tax on a saloon.Bruce Lee Chun-pong, 42, former executive director cum chairman of PF Group Holdings Limited (PF Group, now renamed as Gaoyu Finance Group Ltd), was earlier found guilty after trial of one count of fraud, contrary to section 16A of the Theft Ordinance.In sentencing, Deputy Judge Mr Colin Wong Sze-cheung reprimanded the defendant for breaching the trust placed in him as a listed company chairman at the material time. The difference of over $800,000, resulting from inflating the first registration tax on the saloon, was eventually deposited into a bank account held by his wife. The court ordered the defendant to pay the difference as compensation to PF Group.The ICAC investigation stemmed from a corruption complaint that revealed the offence. The court heard that at the material time, the defendant was purchasing a saloon for PF Group to promote its car loan business. In early 2021, the defendant made a false representation that the company was required to pay about $2.4 million as the first registration tax on the saloon. ICAC enquiries revealed that the relevant tax amount had been inflated by over $800,000. Subsequently, a bank account held by the defendant’s wife received a payment of over $800,000 made by the relevant car dealer.PF Group rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel Eddie Sean, assisted by ICAC officer Jenny Chan.The ICAC reminds executives of listed companies to comply with the law and uphold high standards of integrity to safeguard the interests of various stakeholders. The ICAC will continue to assist listed companies in enhancing their corruption prevention capabilities and corporate governance. For more details, please visit the “Ethics Promotion Programme for Listed Companies” webpage. 06
May 2026Six months’ jail for works contractor and employee charged by ICAC for bribery over Japanese chain stores’ renovation projectsA works contractor and his employee, charged by the ICAC, were both sentenced to six months’ imprisonment at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts today (May 6) after being convicted of offering over $180,000 in bribes to an employee of a design consultancy to secure renovation projects for two Japanese chain stores valued at over $25 million in total. The design consultancy’s employee, who pleaded guilty, was earlier sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.Li Po-wah, 35, director cum shareholder of RNK Design and Engineering Company Limited (RNK); and Pang Wai-yin, 51, then site supervisor of RNK, were found guilty of one count of conspiracy for an agent to accept an advantage after trial, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.In sentencing, Magistrate Mr Tsang Chung-yiu took a starting point of six months’ imprisonment, and imposed immediate custodial sentences on the defendants after hearing their mitigations.Co-defendant Pian Pang Ka-shin, 42, then marketing executive of K&C Creation Limited (KCL), had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy for an agent to accept an advantage, and was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.The court heard that in 2019, KCL, a design consultancy, was awarded two renovation projects – one for the supermarket chain “Donki Japan” (Donki) store in Macao, and another for the drugstore chain “Tokyo Lifestyle” branch in Kowloon.At the material time, Pang Ka-shin was a marketing executive at KCL, responsible for co-ordinating with contractors and arranging tender exercises. She submitted quotations and tenders for the two renovation projects to KCL or Donki for selection.Between June 2019 and January 2022, Pang Ka-shin accepted bribes exceeding $180,000 from Li and Pang Wai-yin to assist RNK and another works contractor in securing the two renovation projects.Pang Ka-shin was assigned by KCL to assist Donki in managing the tender exercise and submitted five tenders for Donki’s consideration. Donki eventually awarded the project to the works contractor concerned and settled project fees totalling over $23.4 million upon completion of the works. Pang Ka-shin had earlier admitted that she provided advice to the works contractor regarding the tender interview.Regarding the renovation project for “Tokyo Lifestyle”, KCL received two quotations. Based on Pang Ka-shin’s recommendation, the contract was awarded to RNK. Upon completion of the works, KCL paid project fee of $1.7 million to RNK.KCL and Donki rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel Marco Li, assisted by ICAC officer Alex Lau. 05
May 2026Seven arrested by ICAC for alleged bribery for conniving at concealment of contractor’s dual role as consultant in grand maintenance projectsLast week (April 27 and 28), the ICAC conducted an enforcement action against a corruption syndicate specifically targeting grand maintenance projects of single-block buildings, arresting five men and two women, aged between 37 and 75, including the chairman of an Incorporated Owners (IO), the proprietor of a project contractor, and directors of a project consultancy firm and a registered inspector employed by the firm.The ICAC received a public complaint alleging possible corruption in the tender exercise for the grand maintenance project of a single-block composite building in Mong Kok. Investigations revealed that the arrested project contractor’s proprietor allegedly controlled the project consultancy firm through his associates, secured the consultancy contract for the grand maintenance project at a low price, and concealed his dual roles as project contractor and consultant, along with his conflicting interests during the tendering process, with intent to induce the IO to select his company as the project contractor.ICAC enquiries found that the project consultancy firm concerned did not declare its conflicting interests with the project contractor as required by the IO, while the IO chairman was suspected of bribery for conniving at the concealment. As property owners surmised irregularities in the tender exercise, the project contractor eventually failed to secure the $20 million works contract.It was also revealed in the ICAC investigation that the arrested registered inspector, who maintained a full-time job in the finance industry, might not have discharged her inspection duties in accordance with the Buildings Ordinance when signing Building Inspection Reports. The ICAC has referred the relevant inspection information in parallel to the Buildings Department for follow-up action.ICAC officers conducted searches at multiple locations, including the offices of the project consultancy firm and the project contractor, as well as residences of the arrestees, seizing relevant documents related to the grand maintenance projects and accounting records.It was revealed in the ICAC operation that the project consultancy firm and project contractor also concealed their relationship and conflicting interests in two other grand maintenance projects currently undergoing tender exercises – one in Tai Hang and another in Sham Shui Po – to secure contracts with a total contract sum of about $6 million. The ICAC successfully intercepted these illicit activities and reminded property owners of potential corruption risks during contract awards.As the relevant corruption investigation is ongoing, the ICAC does not rule out further enforcement actions.The ICAC urges members of the public and practitioners in the building management and maintenance industry to report suspected corruption to the ICAC immediately through its 24-hour hotline at 25 266 366. 04
May 2026Former employee of property management company charged by ICAC admits accepting $1.3m in bribes from contractorA former employee of a property management company, charged by the ICAC, today (May 4) admitted at the District Court that he had accepted bribes totalling $1.3 million from a renovation works contractor for showing favour to the latter regarding property renovation works.Mak Wing-chun, 51, then senior property officer of the leasing department of New Estate Company Limited (New Estate), pleaded guilty to four counts of agent accepting an advantage, contrary to section 9(1)(b) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO). Judge Mr Clement Lee Hing-nin remanded the defendant in custody of the Correctional Services Department.The court heard that New Estate owned and managed a portfolio of properties in Hong Kong for lease. At the material time, Mak was responsible for arranging and overseeing contractors to conduct renovation works at New Estate’s properties and certifying the completion of such works before releasing payments to contractors.New Estate had no internal procurement procedures in place between November 2020 and June 2022, and inviting quotations or conducting tenders were not required when selecting contractors. During this period, New Estate awarded its renovation works to only two contractors. Over the course of one and a half years, one of these contractors was awarded most of the renovation projects and received works payments totalling about $26 million.In mid-June 2022, New Estate’s management began requiring its leasing department to invite companies other than the two existing contractors to bid for renovation works when awarding contracts. Mak subsequently informed the contractor, which had been awarded numerous renovation projects, of the new procurement requirements and alerted the contractor that New Estate might have discovered that the cost of its works was far above the prices submitted by new bidders.The ICAC investigation stemmed from a corruption complaint. It was revealed that on various occasions, Mak had accepted bribes totalling $1.3 million from the contractor for showing favour to the latter regarding arrangements and supervision of renovation works. Mak used some of the bribes to settle payments for his newly-purchased residential flat.Co-defendant Lee Shing-kan, 77, sole proprietor of Art Land Decoration Co., earlier pleaded not guilty to four counts of offering an advantage to an agent, contrary to section 9(2)(b) of the POBO. His trial commenced at the District Court today.New Estate rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel Bernard Chung, assisted by ICAC officer Eva Chan. 30
Apr 2026Shuttle bus company operations assistant charged by ICAC admits accepting $30,000 bribes over driver employmentA then operations assistant of a shuttle bus company, charged by the ICAC, today (April 30) pleaded guilty at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts to accepting bribes totalling over $32,000 in relation to the employment of a driver.Chow King-lung, 45, then operations assistant of a subsidiary of Great Leader Bus Holdings Limited (Great Leader Bus), pleaded guilty to five counts of agent accepting an advantage, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO). The prosecution offered no evidence to another bribery charge against him.Magistrate Mr David Chum Yau-fong adjourned the case to May 18 for sentencing, pending the defendant’s background report, and remanded him in custody of the Correctional Services Department. The court also ordered the defendant to make restitution of about $32,000, equivalent to the bribe amount involved, to his former employer, a subsidiary of Great Leader Bus.At the material time, the defendant was responsible for employing drivers and managing transportation service operations for Great Leader Bus and its subsidiaries, including a shuttle bus route providing services to government staff. Great Leader Bus did not allow its staff to accept any advantages from drivers for their employment with Great Leader Bus and its subsidiaries.The court heard that in the five consecutive months between September 2024 and January 2025, the defendant accepted bribes totalling over $32,000 from a driver for employing her on the abovementioned route.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint. Enquiries revealed that the defendant had solicited monthly bribes ranging from about $3,400 to $7,500 from the driver. The driver would not have been employed on the route had she not paid these bribes.Great Leader Bus rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Cody Chung.
May 2026Two years’ jail for then chairman of listed company charged by ICAC over $2.4m fraud involving inflated tax on saloon purchaseA then chairman of a listed company, charged by the ICAC, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment at the District Court today (May 7) for deceiving the company into paying about $2.4 million by inflating the first registration tax on a saloon.Bruce Lee Chun-pong, 42, former executive director cum chairman of PF Group Holdings Limited (PF Group, now renamed as Gaoyu Finance Group Ltd), was earlier found guilty after trial of one count of fraud, contrary to section 16A of the Theft Ordinance.In sentencing, Deputy Judge Mr Colin Wong Sze-cheung reprimanded the defendant for breaching the trust placed in him as a listed company chairman at the material time. The difference of over $800,000, resulting from inflating the first registration tax on the saloon, was eventually deposited into a bank account held by his wife. The court ordered the defendant to pay the difference as compensation to PF Group.The ICAC investigation stemmed from a corruption complaint that revealed the offence. The court heard that at the material time, the defendant was purchasing a saloon for PF Group to promote its car loan business. In early 2021, the defendant made a false representation that the company was required to pay about $2.4 million as the first registration tax on the saloon. ICAC enquiries revealed that the relevant tax amount had been inflated by over $800,000. Subsequently, a bank account held by the defendant’s wife received a payment of over $800,000 made by the relevant car dealer.PF Group rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel Eddie Sean, assisted by ICAC officer Jenny Chan.The ICAC reminds executives of listed companies to comply with the law and uphold high standards of integrity to safeguard the interests of various stakeholders. The ICAC will continue to assist listed companies in enhancing their corruption prevention capabilities and corporate governance. For more details, please visit the “Ethics Promotion Programme for Listed Companies” webpage. 06
May 2026Six months’ jail for works contractor and employee charged by ICAC for bribery over Japanese chain stores’ renovation projectsA works contractor and his employee, charged by the ICAC, were both sentenced to six months’ imprisonment at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts today (May 6) after being convicted of offering over $180,000 in bribes to an employee of a design consultancy to secure renovation projects for two Japanese chain stores valued at over $25 million in total. The design consultancy’s employee, who pleaded guilty, was earlier sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.Li Po-wah, 35, director cum shareholder of RNK Design and Engineering Company Limited (RNK); and Pang Wai-yin, 51, then site supervisor of RNK, were found guilty of one count of conspiracy for an agent to accept an advantage after trial, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.In sentencing, Magistrate Mr Tsang Chung-yiu took a starting point of six months’ imprisonment, and imposed immediate custodial sentences on the defendants after hearing their mitigations.Co-defendant Pian Pang Ka-shin, 42, then marketing executive of K&C Creation Limited (KCL), had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy for an agent to accept an advantage, and was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.The court heard that in 2019, KCL, a design consultancy, was awarded two renovation projects – one for the supermarket chain “Donki Japan” (Donki) store in Macao, and another for the drugstore chain “Tokyo Lifestyle” branch in Kowloon.At the material time, Pang Ka-shin was a marketing executive at KCL, responsible for co-ordinating with contractors and arranging tender exercises. She submitted quotations and tenders for the two renovation projects to KCL or Donki for selection.Between June 2019 and January 2022, Pang Ka-shin accepted bribes exceeding $180,000 from Li and Pang Wai-yin to assist RNK and another works contractor in securing the two renovation projects.Pang Ka-shin was assigned by KCL to assist Donki in managing the tender exercise and submitted five tenders for Donki’s consideration. Donki eventually awarded the project to the works contractor concerned and settled project fees totalling over $23.4 million upon completion of the works. Pang Ka-shin had earlier admitted that she provided advice to the works contractor regarding the tender interview.Regarding the renovation project for “Tokyo Lifestyle”, KCL received two quotations. Based on Pang Ka-shin’s recommendation, the contract was awarded to RNK. Upon completion of the works, KCL paid project fee of $1.7 million to RNK.KCL and Donki rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel Marco Li, assisted by ICAC officer Alex Lau. 05
May 2026Seven arrested by ICAC for alleged bribery for conniving at concealment of contractor’s dual role as consultant in grand maintenance projectsLast week (April 27 and 28), the ICAC conducted an enforcement action against a corruption syndicate specifically targeting grand maintenance projects of single-block buildings, arresting five men and two women, aged between 37 and 75, including the chairman of an Incorporated Owners (IO), the proprietor of a project contractor, and directors of a project consultancy firm and a registered inspector employed by the firm.The ICAC received a public complaint alleging possible corruption in the tender exercise for the grand maintenance project of a single-block composite building in Mong Kok. Investigations revealed that the arrested project contractor’s proprietor allegedly controlled the project consultancy firm through his associates, secured the consultancy contract for the grand maintenance project at a low price, and concealed his dual roles as project contractor and consultant, along with his conflicting interests during the tendering process, with intent to induce the IO to select his company as the project contractor.ICAC enquiries found that the project consultancy firm concerned did not declare its conflicting interests with the project contractor as required by the IO, while the IO chairman was suspected of bribery for conniving at the concealment. As property owners surmised irregularities in the tender exercise, the project contractor eventually failed to secure the $20 million works contract.It was also revealed in the ICAC investigation that the arrested registered inspector, who maintained a full-time job in the finance industry, might not have discharged her inspection duties in accordance with the Buildings Ordinance when signing Building Inspection Reports. The ICAC has referred the relevant inspection information in parallel to the Buildings Department for follow-up action.ICAC officers conducted searches at multiple locations, including the offices of the project consultancy firm and the project contractor, as well as residences of the arrestees, seizing relevant documents related to the grand maintenance projects and accounting records.It was revealed in the ICAC operation that the project consultancy firm and project contractor also concealed their relationship and conflicting interests in two other grand maintenance projects currently undergoing tender exercises – one in Tai Hang and another in Sham Shui Po – to secure contracts with a total contract sum of about $6 million. The ICAC successfully intercepted these illicit activities and reminded property owners of potential corruption risks during contract awards.As the relevant corruption investigation is ongoing, the ICAC does not rule out further enforcement actions.The ICAC urges members of the public and practitioners in the building management and maintenance industry to report suspected corruption to the ICAC immediately through its 24-hour hotline at 25 266 366. 04
May 2026Former employee of property management company charged by ICAC admits accepting $1.3m in bribes from contractorA former employee of a property management company, charged by the ICAC, today (May 4) admitted at the District Court that he had accepted bribes totalling $1.3 million from a renovation works contractor for showing favour to the latter regarding property renovation works.Mak Wing-chun, 51, then senior property officer of the leasing department of New Estate Company Limited (New Estate), pleaded guilty to four counts of agent accepting an advantage, contrary to section 9(1)(b) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO). Judge Mr Clement Lee Hing-nin remanded the defendant in custody of the Correctional Services Department.The court heard that New Estate owned and managed a portfolio of properties in Hong Kong for lease. At the material time, Mak was responsible for arranging and overseeing contractors to conduct renovation works at New Estate’s properties and certifying the completion of such works before releasing payments to contractors.New Estate had no internal procurement procedures in place between November 2020 and June 2022, and inviting quotations or conducting tenders were not required when selecting contractors. During this period, New Estate awarded its renovation works to only two contractors. Over the course of one and a half years, one of these contractors was awarded most of the renovation projects and received works payments totalling about $26 million.In mid-June 2022, New Estate’s management began requiring its leasing department to invite companies other than the two existing contractors to bid for renovation works when awarding contracts. Mak subsequently informed the contractor, which had been awarded numerous renovation projects, of the new procurement requirements and alerted the contractor that New Estate might have discovered that the cost of its works was far above the prices submitted by new bidders.The ICAC investigation stemmed from a corruption complaint. It was revealed that on various occasions, Mak had accepted bribes totalling $1.3 million from the contractor for showing favour to the latter regarding arrangements and supervision of renovation works. Mak used some of the bribes to settle payments for his newly-purchased residential flat.Co-defendant Lee Shing-kan, 77, sole proprietor of Art Land Decoration Co., earlier pleaded not guilty to four counts of offering an advantage to an agent, contrary to section 9(2)(b) of the POBO. His trial commenced at the District Court today.New Estate rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel Bernard Chung, assisted by ICAC officer Eva Chan. 30
Apr 2026Shuttle bus company operations assistant charged by ICAC admits accepting $30,000 bribes over driver employmentA then operations assistant of a shuttle bus company, charged by the ICAC, today (April 30) pleaded guilty at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts to accepting bribes totalling over $32,000 in relation to the employment of a driver.Chow King-lung, 45, then operations assistant of a subsidiary of Great Leader Bus Holdings Limited (Great Leader Bus), pleaded guilty to five counts of agent accepting an advantage, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO). The prosecution offered no evidence to another bribery charge against him.Magistrate Mr David Chum Yau-fong adjourned the case to May 18 for sentencing, pending the defendant’s background report, and remanded him in custody of the Correctional Services Department. The court also ordered the defendant to make restitution of about $32,000, equivalent to the bribe amount involved, to his former employer, a subsidiary of Great Leader Bus.At the material time, the defendant was responsible for employing drivers and managing transportation service operations for Great Leader Bus and its subsidiaries, including a shuttle bus route providing services to government staff. Great Leader Bus did not allow its staff to accept any advantages from drivers for their employment with Great Leader Bus and its subsidiaries.The court heard that in the five consecutive months between September 2024 and January 2025, the defendant accepted bribes totalling over $32,000 from a driver for employing her on the abovementioned route.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint. Enquiries revealed that the defendant had solicited monthly bribes ranging from about $3,400 to $7,500 from the driver. The driver would not have been employed on the route had she not paid these bribes.Great Leader Bus rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Cody Chung.