Last defendant sentenced for electricity meter tampering scam
2003-3-31
The last defendant charged by the ICAC in connection with an electricity meter tampering scam was sentenced at Tuen Mun Magistracy today (Monday).
Ng Tze-keung, 38, motor salesman, earlier pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP). He was today ordered by Magistrate Mr TAM Kwok-wah to perform 80 hours of community service.
Apart from Ng, 20 other defendants were charged by the ICAC with conspiracy to defraud CLP or the Hong Kong Electric Company Limited (HKE) in separate cases. All defendants had pleaded guilty.
A middleman for the syndicate was earlier jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to four counts of conspiracy to defraud, while the remaining 19 defendants were sentenced to suspended jail terms, community service and/or fines.
The ICAC investigation arose from referrals from CLP and the Police, alleging corruption over the tampering of electricity meters.
ICAC enquiries revealed a series of tampering activities at various commercial and residential locations, causing a total loss of about $800,000 to CLP and HKE.
In Ng's case, the court heard that Woo Hang-foo, an acquaintance of the defendant, suggested that he could tamper with the electricity meter of Ng's residence to help him save electricity charges. Ng agreed to the proposal.
Between December 1, 2000 and October 29, 2001, Ng had conspired with Woo to defraud CLP by dishonestly tampering with the electricity meter at Ng's residence in Tuen Mun. Ng then paid Woo $1,000 as a reward.
As a result, the electricity charges of Ng's flat had dropped drastically by about 40 to 50 per cent, causing CLP to undercharge him for about $7,460.
The prosecution was today represented by Court Prosecutor Eddie Ho, assisted by ICAC officer Cecil Tse.
Ng Tze-keung, 38, motor salesman, earlier pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP). He was today ordered by Magistrate Mr TAM Kwok-wah to perform 80 hours of community service.
Apart from Ng, 20 other defendants were charged by the ICAC with conspiracy to defraud CLP or the Hong Kong Electric Company Limited (HKE) in separate cases. All defendants had pleaded guilty.
A middleman for the syndicate was earlier jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to four counts of conspiracy to defraud, while the remaining 19 defendants were sentenced to suspended jail terms, community service and/or fines.
The ICAC investigation arose from referrals from CLP and the Police, alleging corruption over the tampering of electricity meters.
ICAC enquiries revealed a series of tampering activities at various commercial and residential locations, causing a total loss of about $800,000 to CLP and HKE.
In Ng's case, the court heard that Woo Hang-foo, an acquaintance of the defendant, suggested that he could tamper with the electricity meter of Ng's residence to help him save electricity charges. Ng agreed to the proposal.
Between December 1, 2000 and October 29, 2001, Ng had conspired with Woo to defraud CLP by dishonestly tampering with the electricity meter at Ng's residence in Tuen Mun. Ng then paid Woo $1,000 as a reward.
As a result, the electricity charges of Ng's flat had dropped drastically by about 40 to 50 per cent, causing CLP to undercharge him for about $7,460.
The prosecution was today represented by Court Prosecutor Eddie Ho, assisted by ICAC officer Cecil Tse.