Ex-scaffolder of Third Runway Project charged by ICAC admits assisting site team leader to accept bribes
2022-12-30
A former scaffolder of a sub-contractor of the Third Runway Project of the Hong Kong International Airport (Third Runway Project), charged by the ICAC, today (December 30) admitted at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts that he had conspired with a site team leader to assist the latter in accepting illegal rebates totalling over $43,000 from another scaffolder. The defendant was among 17 people charged by the ICAC with bribery over workers’ employment arising from the relevant investigation.
Zhou Sheng, 58, former construction worker of MLife Engineering Limited (MEL), pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy for agents to accept advantages, contrary to Section 9(1)(a) of Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and Section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.
Magistrate Mr Li Chi-ho adjourned the case to February 6, 2023 for mention. Zhou was granted bail.
The court heard that MEL was a sub-contractor of the Third Runway Project responsible for recruiting construction workers to conduct various works. Scaffolder Zhou worked in a team led by site team leader Zhuang Huitao.
At the material time, Zhou introduced a scaffolder to work in Zhuang’s team. Subsequently between September 2020 and June 2021, Zhou assisted Zhuang to accept illegal rebates totalling over $43,000 from that fellow scaffolder, who acceded to the solicitation due to his worries of losing the job opportunity. After collecting the monthly illegal rebate, Zhou passed the sum to Zhuang.
Zhuang, 31, was also charged by the ICAC for his role in the case. He earlier pleaded guilty to 16 charges of bribery. His case was adjourned to February 6, 2023 for mention.
An ICAC spokesperson urges construction workers not to tolerate corruption. Should they be asked to pay illegal rebates in exchange for their employment, they should report to the ICAC immediately. Report corruption hotline: 25 266 366.
The Airport Authority Hong Kong, the relevant main contractor SAPR JV and MEL had rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case. As the relevant corruption investigation is continuing, the ICAC does not rule out further law enforcement actions.
The prosecution was today represented by Public Prosecutor Lily Yip, assisted by ICAC officers Eric Siu and Christine Chiang.
Zhou Sheng, 58, former construction worker of MLife Engineering Limited (MEL), pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy for agents to accept advantages, contrary to Section 9(1)(a) of Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and Section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.
Magistrate Mr Li Chi-ho adjourned the case to February 6, 2023 for mention. Zhou was granted bail.
The court heard that MEL was a sub-contractor of the Third Runway Project responsible for recruiting construction workers to conduct various works. Scaffolder Zhou worked in a team led by site team leader Zhuang Huitao.
At the material time, Zhou introduced a scaffolder to work in Zhuang’s team. Subsequently between September 2020 and June 2021, Zhou assisted Zhuang to accept illegal rebates totalling over $43,000 from that fellow scaffolder, who acceded to the solicitation due to his worries of losing the job opportunity. After collecting the monthly illegal rebate, Zhou passed the sum to Zhuang.
Zhuang, 31, was also charged by the ICAC for his role in the case. He earlier pleaded guilty to 16 charges of bribery. His case was adjourned to February 6, 2023 for mention.
An ICAC spokesperson urges construction workers not to tolerate corruption. Should they be asked to pay illegal rebates in exchange for their employment, they should report to the ICAC immediately. Report corruption hotline: 25 266 366.
The Airport Authority Hong Kong, the relevant main contractor SAPR JV and MEL had rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case. As the relevant corruption investigation is continuing, the ICAC does not rule out further law enforcement actions.
The prosecution was today represented by Public Prosecutor Lily Yip, assisted by ICAC officers Eric Siu and Christine Chiang.