A couple in charge of a dealer of computer products was arrested by the ICAC last Friday (December 8) for an alleged $7 million bribery scam to secure the supply of Central Processing Units (CPUs) which can accommodate broadband service.

The sales manager of the CPU supplier, who allegedly received bribes from the couple, was also arrested by the ICAC.

The ICAC this (Monday) morning successfully applied for a High Court order, under Section 14C of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, to restrain the bank account of the sales manager and another account related to him.

The ICAC commenced investigations after receiving a corruption complaint in July this year.

The couple, respectively the officer-in-charge and a financial controller of the dealer, had been placing orders of CPUs with the sales manager arrested on a regular basis. The monthly business turnover was about US$1 million.

Inquiries revealed that between August last year and July this year, the couple had allegedly paid the sales manager bribes totalling some HK$7 million, equivalent to about 10 percent of the purchased value, in order to ensure the supply of the desired mo dels.

The three arrestees, aged between 36 and 38, were released on ICAC bail. Inquiry is continuing.