Housing Officer charged as ICAC probe reveals falsifying flat inspection visit records
2023-8-17
In the course of a corruption investigation by the ICAC, it was revealed that a Housing Officer of the Housing Department (HD) had allegedly used records containing false information to mislead the HD that she had conducted flat inspection visits to verify occupancy status of various flats of a public rental housing estate. The Housing Officer was charged by the ICAC yesterday (August 16) with offences under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO).
Li Bik-ki, 51, faces 19 counts of agent using document with intent to deceive her principal, contrary to section 9(3) of the POBO. She was released on ICAC bail, pending her appearance at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (August 18) for plea.
At the material time, the defendant was posted to Mun Tung Estate in Tung Chung. She was responsible for dealing with tenancy matters and conducting biennial inspection to combat abuse of public rental housing resources through surprise home inspection visits to flats so as to verify and record their occupancy status.
The defendant was the only officer responsible for conducting home inspection visits at Mun Hong House of Mun Tung Estate. Records submitted by the defendant showed that she conducted home inspection visits in respect of over 380 flats at Mun Hong House between November 2020 and December 2021. When HD reviewed its records, it was however discovered that the sole occupant of one of the flats had already passed away.
ICAC’s investigation arose from a complaint referred by the HD. Enquiries revealed that over 320 records submitted by the defendant were found questionable. Upon receipt of legal advice from the Department of Justice, a total of 19 specimen charges were laid against the defendant.
The charges allege that during the period, the defendant used 19 records containing false statements to mislead the HD that she had conducted home inspection visits at 19 flats at Mun Hong House of Mun Tung Estate.
The HD has rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.
The ICAC reminds civil servants to uphold a high standard of integrity in discharging their duties diligently so as to safeguard the proper use of public resources.
Li Bik-ki, 51, faces 19 counts of agent using document with intent to deceive her principal, contrary to section 9(3) of the POBO. She was released on ICAC bail, pending her appearance at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (August 18) for plea.
At the material time, the defendant was posted to Mun Tung Estate in Tung Chung. She was responsible for dealing with tenancy matters and conducting biennial inspection to combat abuse of public rental housing resources through surprise home inspection visits to flats so as to verify and record their occupancy status.
The defendant was the only officer responsible for conducting home inspection visits at Mun Hong House of Mun Tung Estate. Records submitted by the defendant showed that she conducted home inspection visits in respect of over 380 flats at Mun Hong House between November 2020 and December 2021. When HD reviewed its records, it was however discovered that the sole occupant of one of the flats had already passed away.
ICAC’s investigation arose from a complaint referred by the HD. Enquiries revealed that over 320 records submitted by the defendant were found questionable. Upon receipt of legal advice from the Department of Justice, a total of 19 specimen charges were laid against the defendant.
The charges allege that during the period, the defendant used 19 records containing false statements to mislead the HD that she had conducted home inspection visits at 19 flats at Mun Hong House of Mun Tung Estate.
The HD has rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.
The ICAC reminds civil servants to uphold a high standard of integrity in discharging their duties diligently so as to safeguard the proper use of public resources.