A businessman was today (Tuesday) charged by the ICAC for allegedly offering $2.5 million to a former bank manager as rewards for handling his private banking account.

The defendant, 63, a merchant, was brought to the Eastern Magistracy this afternoon on one count of offering advantages to an agent, contrary to Section 9(2)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.

No plea was taken. Magistrate Ms Bina Chainrai adjourned the case to May 11, pending transfer to the District Court.

The defendant was granted cash bail of $50,000, but was ordered to surrender his travel documents and not to leave Hong Kong.

The charge alleged that between June 2004 and November 2008, the defendant offered $2.5 million in total to a Senior Relationship Manager of the Private Banking Department of a bank.

The sum was allegedly rewards for the said manager who was then handling the defendant's private banking account with the bank.

The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Martin Tse.