Bribery probe leads to prosecution of LCSD assistant manager for false claim of district event expenses
2021-2-4
An assistant manager of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) appeared at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts today (February 4) after being charged by the ICAC with using receipts containing overstated amounts to claim expenses incurred in a district-based swimming competition.
After receiving a corruption complaint referred by the LCSD, the ICAC conducted an investigation which subsequently led to the prosecution against Pun Lai-yim, 39, Assistant Leisure Services Manager II, of one count of agent using documents with intent to deceive her principal, contrary to Section 9(3) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
The defendant did not enter any plea today. Magistrate Ms Leung Ka-kie adjourned the case to March 25 for mention.
Assistant Leisure Services Managers are allowed to apply for a special sub-imprest to pay for expenses expected to be incurred in an event. The relevant sum would be released to the responsible Assistant Leisure Services Managers by cheque, and claimants could claim their expenses afterwards.
At the material time, the defendant was an Assistant Leisure Services Manager II of the LCSD posted to Kowloon Park Management Office. She was responsible for organising regular district-based events to promote a healthy and active lifestyle across all age groups.
The defendant was authorised by the LCSD to hold and operate a special sub-imprest of over $58,000 for a swimming competition held for the Yau Tsim Mong District on September 15, 2019.
The charge alleged that on or about October 2, 2019, the defendant used an expenses reimbursement claim form and five receipts issued by three stores which contained false statements, namely overstated expenses figures, to mislead the LCSD.
ICAC enquiries revealed that the expenses, which concerned the purchase of stationery, were allegedly overstated by over $3,300 in total.
The LCSD has rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.
The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Issac Chong.
After receiving a corruption complaint referred by the LCSD, the ICAC conducted an investigation which subsequently led to the prosecution against Pun Lai-yim, 39, Assistant Leisure Services Manager II, of one count of agent using documents with intent to deceive her principal, contrary to Section 9(3) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
The defendant did not enter any plea today. Magistrate Ms Leung Ka-kie adjourned the case to March 25 for mention.
Assistant Leisure Services Managers are allowed to apply for a special sub-imprest to pay for expenses expected to be incurred in an event. The relevant sum would be released to the responsible Assistant Leisure Services Managers by cheque, and claimants could claim their expenses afterwards.
At the material time, the defendant was an Assistant Leisure Services Manager II of the LCSD posted to Kowloon Park Management Office. She was responsible for organising regular district-based events to promote a healthy and active lifestyle across all age groups.
The defendant was authorised by the LCSD to hold and operate a special sub-imprest of over $58,000 for a swimming competition held for the Yau Tsim Mong District on September 15, 2019.
The charge alleged that on or about October 2, 2019, the defendant used an expenses reimbursement claim form and five receipts issued by three stores which contained false statements, namely overstated expenses figures, to mislead the LCSD.
ICAC enquiries revealed that the expenses, which concerned the purchase of stationery, were allegedly overstated by over $3,300 in total.
The LCSD has rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.
The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Issac Chong.