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Jan 2025Five employees of logistics company charged by ICAC for fraud over $4.5m service charges by concealing conflict of interestFive employees of a logistics company were charged by the ICAC today (January 21) for allegedly deceiving the company into paying service charges totalling over $4.5 million by concealing their interests in various light goods vehicles (LGVs) and arranging others to use those LGVs to take up delivery orders of the company.The five defendants, aged between 39 and 59, face four counts of conspiracy to defraud in total, contrary to Common Law. They were Or Chi-ho, then transportation manager of V-Logic Limited (V-Logic); Tam Lap-kuen and Canny Chan Ka-ming, respectively then and serving delivery team leader of V-Logic; and Ho Wai-man and Tang Weide, both then drivers of the company.The five defendants were released on ICAC bail, pending their appearance at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday (January 23) for mention. The prosecution will later make an application for transferring the case to the District Court for plea.V-Logic, which provides local delivery services, has a team of in-house drivers and another team of outsourced drivers taking up clients’ orders. Between November 2017 and November 2021, Or was promoted to transportation manager of V-Logic while Tam and Chan were delivery team leaders of the company. The trio were mainly responsible for hiring outsourced drivers and assigning delivery jobs of V-Logic to in-house and outsourced drivers. Ho and Tong were in-house drivers of the company.Two of the charges allege that Or, Tam and Chan had conspired together with an outsourced driver of V-Logic to induce the company to pay service charges totalling over $3.2 million by concealing from the company that two LGVs were owned or controlled by the trio and arranging others to register as outsourced drivers of the company and to use those LGVs to take up its delivery orders.Two other charges allege that the five defendants had conspired together with the outsourced driver to conceal Ho and Tang’s beneficial interest in two other LGVs from V-Logic and induced V-Logic to pay service charges totalling about $1.3 million by similar fraudulent means.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint. Enquiries revealed that Or, Tam and Chan allegedly arranged an outsourced driver of V-Logic to purchase four LGVs and arranged the latter and another person to register as owners of the LGVs with the Transport Department for taking up the orders of V-Logic.Employees of V-Logic are prohibited from assigning the company’s delivery orders to any associated person or arranging any LGVs owned by them to take up its delivery orders. ICAC enquiries revealed that the four LGVs concerned were allegedly controlled by the five defendants, who had never disclosed to the company their interests in the vehicles. As a result, service charges totalling over $4.5 million were paid to the five defendants.V-Logic had rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The ICAC advises business organisations to establish clear guidelines and systems of declaration on conflict of interest. Staff members of business organisations are reminded to avoid conflict of interest situations arising in the workplace and to make timely declaration to their employers. Concealing any conflict of interest in relation to one’s official duties to benefit himself or his associates may constitute a breach of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance or other criminal law. 15
Jan 2025Then team leader of Three-Runway System Project’s subcontractor charged by ICAC for allegedly soliciting bribe from crane operatorA then team leader of a subcontractor of the Three-Runway System Project (3RS Project) of the Hong Kong International Airport was charged by the ICAC today (January 15) for allegedly soliciting a bribe of $100 to $200 per day from a crane operator for continuing his employment. The worker did not resort to bribery.Hui Wai-kwok, 38, then team leader of New Ocean Machine Co., Limited (New Ocean), faces one count of agent soliciting 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 West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on Friday (January 17) for plea.At the material time, New Ocean was a crane rental service provider of the 3RS Project. The company prohibited its employees from soliciting or accepting any advantages from others in relation to its business and affairs. The defendant was a team leader of New Ocean responsible for leading a team of crane operators to work at the construction site of the 3RS Project. He had the authority to dismiss workers under his supervision.It is alleged that in early December 2022, the defendant had solicited a bribe of $100 to $200 per day from a worker under his supervision for assisting him to continue his employment with New Ocean.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint. Enquiries revealed that the worker joined New Ocean in November 2022 at a daily wage of $1,400. He resigned from the company soon after the defendant made solicitation and did not pay bribe.New Ocean rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case. 09
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 probeA 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. 03
Jan 2025Then foreman of Three-Runway System Project subcontractor charged by ICAC for soliciting and accepting bribes from bar-bendersA then foreman of a subcontractor of the Three-Runway System Project (3RS Project) of the Hong Kong International Airport was charged by the ICAC yesterday (January 2) for allegedly soliciting and accepting bribes totalling over $16,000 from three bar-benders of the Terminal 2 expansion work for assisting them to continue their employment and assigning overtime work to earn extra payments.Ko Chun-yin, 31, then foreman of Ho Chau & Sons (HK) Engineering Limited (HCL), faces four counts of agent soliciting an advantage and seven counts of agent accepting an advantage, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. The defendant was released on ICAC bail, pending his appearance at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts next Monday (January 6) for plea.At the material time, HCL was a subcontractor of the Terminal 2 expansion work of the 3RS Project. The defendant was a foreman of HCL responsible for leading a team of bar-benders and assigning work to them. Should workers be required to work overtime, they would be paid 1.5 to two times of the standard hourly rate. HCL prohibited its employees from soliciting or accepting any advantages from others in relation to its business and affairs.It is alleged that between April 2022 and February 2023, the defendant had respectively solicited from three bar-benders bribes of $100 per working day or an unspecified amount of “tea money” for assisting them to continue their employment with HCL. During the period, the defendant had allegedly accepted bribes totalling $7,300 from the trio.The defendant had also allegedly accepted a bribe of $6,000 from one of the bar-benders for arranging him to perform overtime work to earn extra payments.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint. Enquiries revealed that the workers believed that the defendant had the authority to dismiss them. The trio reluctantly paid bribes to the defendant as they worried about losing their jobs. One of the workers was dismissed on the spot after he refused to pay a bribe of $3,000 solicited by the defendant.HCL rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case. 19
Dec 2024Two imported team leaders charged by ICAC with HK$6m bribery over exploitation of Three-Runway System Project workers, subcontractor duo wantedFollowing the receipt of corruption complaints this year alleging corruption and exploitation involving imported workers, the ICAC conducted a thorough investigation and revealed that two imported team leaders of a subcontractor of the Three-Runway System Project (3RS Project) of the Hong Kong International Airport had allegedly collected bribes totalling over HK$6 million from 58 imported workers in relation to their employment. The two team leaders were charged with bribery today (December 19) while the operator and a manager of the subcontractor were wanted by the ICAC.An ICAC spokesperson notes that the Commission has zero tolerance for corruption. If construction workers are asked to pay bribes in exchange for their employment, they should reject and report to the ICAC immediately. ICAC’s report corruption hotline: 25 266 366. To enhance imported workers’ understanding of Hong Kong’s anti-corruption laws, the ICAC would arrange corruption prevention talks for them within eight weeks of their arrival and make use of different channels to disseminate anti-corruption. Additionally, the ICAC would continue to collaborate with the Development Bureau (DEVB) and other stakeholders to avoid similar crimes revealed in the present case.The two team leaders, Wang Haidong and Wang Jiaqiang, aged 35 and 23 respectively, were both imported workers employed by the Joint Venture of Beijing Urban Construction Group Company Limited and Chevalier (Construction) Company Limited (Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV). They face one count of conspiracy for agents to accept advantages, contrary to 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 tomorrow (December 20) for mention.At the material time, Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV was the main contractor of the third runway concourse and apron works of the 3RS Project. Zhongyi Hong Kong Limited (Zhongyi HK) was one of its subcontractors. Due to shortage of manpower in the construction industry, Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV employed imported workers for subcontractors at a monthly salary of HK$31,200 or HK$37,800 through the Development Bureau’s Labour Importation Scheme for Construction Sector.Zhongyi HK was involved in the recruitment of workers conducted by Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV in the Mainland. Since October 2023, team leaders Wang Haidong and Wang Jiaqiang as well as other imported workers were employed in batches by Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV, which prohibited its employees or agents from soliciting or accepting any advantages from others in relation to its business and affairs.It is alleged that between November 2023 and June 2024, Wang Haidong and Wang Jiaqiang had conspired with the operator cum major shareholder of Zhongyi HK, Yan Lizhong, and its human resources manager, Hu Weida, to accept bribes totalling over HK$6 million from 58 imported workers for assisting them to secure and continue their employment with Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV.The ICAC enquiries revealed that Yan and Hu had allegedly told the workers before they sign employment contracts with Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV that they were only entitled to a monthly salary of RMB10,000 to RMB20,000, and those not acceding to the arrangement would not be recruited. The workers worried about losing the job opportunities and reluctantly acceded to the arrangement.Investigation also revealed that the workers surrendered the whole sum of their salaries, i.e. HK$31,200 or HK$37,800, transferred to their bank accounts in Hong Kong by Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV to Zhongyi HK through the arrangement made by Wang Haidong and Wang Jiaqiang. Monthly salaries of RMB10,000 to RMB20,000 were then deposited into workers’ bank accounts in the Mainland.Upon receipt of the relevant corruption complaints this year, the ICAC took an immediate enforcement action and arrested Wang Haidong and Wang Jiaqiang this June, curbing the bribery scam which exploited imported labours.In addition, warrants for the arrest of Yan Lizhong, 52, operator cum major shareholder of Zhongyi HK; and Hu Weida, 50, human resources manager of Zhongyi HK, were issued by a Magistrate upon the application made by the ICAC yesterday (December 18).The DEVB, the Airport Authority Hong Kong and Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.
Jan 2025Five employees of logistics company charged by ICAC for fraud over $4.5m service charges by concealing conflict of interestFive employees of a logistics company were charged by the ICAC today (January 21) for allegedly deceiving the company into paying service charges totalling over $4.5 million by concealing their interests in various light goods vehicles (LGVs) and arranging others to use those LGVs to take up delivery orders of the company.The five defendants, aged between 39 and 59, face four counts of conspiracy to defraud in total, contrary to Common Law. They were Or Chi-ho, then transportation manager of V-Logic Limited (V-Logic); Tam Lap-kuen and Canny Chan Ka-ming, respectively then and serving delivery team leader of V-Logic; and Ho Wai-man and Tang Weide, both then drivers of the company.The five defendants were released on ICAC bail, pending their appearance at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday (January 23) for mention. The prosecution will later make an application for transferring the case to the District Court for plea.V-Logic, which provides local delivery services, has a team of in-house drivers and another team of outsourced drivers taking up clients’ orders. Between November 2017 and November 2021, Or was promoted to transportation manager of V-Logic while Tam and Chan were delivery team leaders of the company. The trio were mainly responsible for hiring outsourced drivers and assigning delivery jobs of V-Logic to in-house and outsourced drivers. Ho and Tong were in-house drivers of the company.Two of the charges allege that Or, Tam and Chan had conspired together with an outsourced driver of V-Logic to induce the company to pay service charges totalling over $3.2 million by concealing from the company that two LGVs were owned or controlled by the trio and arranging others to register as outsourced drivers of the company and to use those LGVs to take up its delivery orders.Two other charges allege that the five defendants had conspired together with the outsourced driver to conceal Ho and Tang’s beneficial interest in two other LGVs from V-Logic and induced V-Logic to pay service charges totalling about $1.3 million by similar fraudulent means.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint. Enquiries revealed that Or, Tam and Chan allegedly arranged an outsourced driver of V-Logic to purchase four LGVs and arranged the latter and another person to register as owners of the LGVs with the Transport Department for taking up the orders of V-Logic.Employees of V-Logic are prohibited from assigning the company’s delivery orders to any associated person or arranging any LGVs owned by them to take up its delivery orders. ICAC enquiries revealed that the four LGVs concerned were allegedly controlled by the five defendants, who had never disclosed to the company their interests in the vehicles. As a result, service charges totalling over $4.5 million were paid to the five defendants.V-Logic had rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The ICAC advises business organisations to establish clear guidelines and systems of declaration on conflict of interest. Staff members of business organisations are reminded to avoid conflict of interest situations arising in the workplace and to make timely declaration to their employers. Concealing any conflict of interest in relation to one’s official duties to benefit himself or his associates may constitute a breach of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance or other criminal law. 15
Jan 2025Then team leader of Three-Runway System Project’s subcontractor charged by ICAC for allegedly soliciting bribe from crane operatorA then team leader of a subcontractor of the Three-Runway System Project (3RS Project) of the Hong Kong International Airport was charged by the ICAC today (January 15) for allegedly soliciting a bribe of $100 to $200 per day from a crane operator for continuing his employment. The worker did not resort to bribery.Hui Wai-kwok, 38, then team leader of New Ocean Machine Co., Limited (New Ocean), faces one count of agent soliciting 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 West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on Friday (January 17) for plea.At the material time, New Ocean was a crane rental service provider of the 3RS Project. The company prohibited its employees from soliciting or accepting any advantages from others in relation to its business and affairs. The defendant was a team leader of New Ocean responsible for leading a team of crane operators to work at the construction site of the 3RS Project. He had the authority to dismiss workers under his supervision.It is alleged that in early December 2022, the defendant had solicited a bribe of $100 to $200 per day from a worker under his supervision for assisting him to continue his employment with New Ocean.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint. Enquiries revealed that the worker joined New Ocean in November 2022 at a daily wage of $1,400. He resigned from the company soon after the defendant made solicitation and did not pay bribe.New Ocean rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case. 09
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 probeA 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. 03
Jan 2025Then foreman of Three-Runway System Project subcontractor charged by ICAC for soliciting and accepting bribes from bar-bendersA then foreman of a subcontractor of the Three-Runway System Project (3RS Project) of the Hong Kong International Airport was charged by the ICAC yesterday (January 2) for allegedly soliciting and accepting bribes totalling over $16,000 from three bar-benders of the Terminal 2 expansion work for assisting them to continue their employment and assigning overtime work to earn extra payments.Ko Chun-yin, 31, then foreman of Ho Chau & Sons (HK) Engineering Limited (HCL), faces four counts of agent soliciting an advantage and seven counts of agent accepting an advantage, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. The defendant was released on ICAC bail, pending his appearance at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts next Monday (January 6) for plea.At the material time, HCL was a subcontractor of the Terminal 2 expansion work of the 3RS Project. The defendant was a foreman of HCL responsible for leading a team of bar-benders and assigning work to them. Should workers be required to work overtime, they would be paid 1.5 to two times of the standard hourly rate. HCL prohibited its employees from soliciting or accepting any advantages from others in relation to its business and affairs.It is alleged that between April 2022 and February 2023, the defendant had respectively solicited from three bar-benders bribes of $100 per working day or an unspecified amount of “tea money” for assisting them to continue their employment with HCL. During the period, the defendant had allegedly accepted bribes totalling $7,300 from the trio.The defendant had also allegedly accepted a bribe of $6,000 from one of the bar-benders for arranging him to perform overtime work to earn extra payments.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint. Enquiries revealed that the workers believed that the defendant had the authority to dismiss them. The trio reluctantly paid bribes to the defendant as they worried about losing their jobs. One of the workers was dismissed on the spot after he refused to pay a bribe of $3,000 solicited by the defendant.HCL rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case. 19
Dec 2024Two imported team leaders charged by ICAC with HK$6m bribery over exploitation of Three-Runway System Project workers, subcontractor duo wantedFollowing the receipt of corruption complaints this year alleging corruption and exploitation involving imported workers, the ICAC conducted a thorough investigation and revealed that two imported team leaders of a subcontractor of the Three-Runway System Project (3RS Project) of the Hong Kong International Airport had allegedly collected bribes totalling over HK$6 million from 58 imported workers in relation to their employment. The two team leaders were charged with bribery today (December 19) while the operator and a manager of the subcontractor were wanted by the ICAC.An ICAC spokesperson notes that the Commission has zero tolerance for corruption. If construction workers are asked to pay bribes in exchange for their employment, they should reject and report to the ICAC immediately. ICAC’s report corruption hotline: 25 266 366. To enhance imported workers’ understanding of Hong Kong’s anti-corruption laws, the ICAC would arrange corruption prevention talks for them within eight weeks of their arrival and make use of different channels to disseminate anti-corruption. Additionally, the ICAC would continue to collaborate with the Development Bureau (DEVB) and other stakeholders to avoid similar crimes revealed in the present case.The two team leaders, Wang Haidong and Wang Jiaqiang, aged 35 and 23 respectively, were both imported workers employed by the Joint Venture of Beijing Urban Construction Group Company Limited and Chevalier (Construction) Company Limited (Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV). They face one count of conspiracy for agents to accept advantages, contrary to 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 tomorrow (December 20) for mention.At the material time, Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV was the main contractor of the third runway concourse and apron works of the 3RS Project. Zhongyi Hong Kong Limited (Zhongyi HK) was one of its subcontractors. Due to shortage of manpower in the construction industry, Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV employed imported workers for subcontractors at a monthly salary of HK$31,200 or HK$37,800 through the Development Bureau’s Labour Importation Scheme for Construction Sector.Zhongyi HK was involved in the recruitment of workers conducted by Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV in the Mainland. Since October 2023, team leaders Wang Haidong and Wang Jiaqiang as well as other imported workers were employed in batches by Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV, which prohibited its employees or agents from soliciting or accepting any advantages from others in relation to its business and affairs.It is alleged that between November 2023 and June 2024, Wang Haidong and Wang Jiaqiang had conspired with the operator cum major shareholder of Zhongyi HK, Yan Lizhong, and its human resources manager, Hu Weida, to accept bribes totalling over HK$6 million from 58 imported workers for assisting them to secure and continue their employment with Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV.The ICAC enquiries revealed that Yan and Hu had allegedly told the workers before they sign employment contracts with Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV that they were only entitled to a monthly salary of RMB10,000 to RMB20,000, and those not acceding to the arrangement would not be recruited. The workers worried about losing the job opportunities and reluctantly acceded to the arrangement.Investigation also revealed that the workers surrendered the whole sum of their salaries, i.e. HK$31,200 or HK$37,800, transferred to their bank accounts in Hong Kong by Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV to Zhongyi HK through the arrangement made by Wang Haidong and Wang Jiaqiang. Monthly salaries of RMB10,000 to RMB20,000 were then deposited into workers’ bank accounts in the Mainland.Upon receipt of the relevant corruption complaints this year, the ICAC took an immediate enforcement action and arrested Wang Haidong and Wang Jiaqiang this June, curbing the bribery scam which exploited imported labours.In addition, warrants for the arrest of Yan Lizhong, 52, operator cum major shareholder of Zhongyi HK; and Hu Weida, 50, human resources manager of Zhongyi HK, were issued by a Magistrate upon the application made by the ICAC yesterday (December 18).The DEVB, the Airport Authority Hong Kong and Beijing Urban Construction-Chevalier JV rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.