A former "dim sum" supervisor of a mahjong club was today (Wednesday) sentenced to seven months' imprisonment for conspiring to accept illegal rebates totalling over $170,000 from a supplier for placing purchase orders for "dim sum" ingredients.

Tang Kam-shing, 45, formerly employed by Tung Cheuk Association (TCA), pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to accept advantages as an agent, contrary to Section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.

The offence took place between March 1998 and November 2001.

Tang was also ordered to pay $178,840 in restitution to his former employer.

In sentencing, Kowloon City Magistrate Mr Johnny Chan said an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate, given the duration of the scam.

The magistrate added that the starting point of 12 months was reduced to seven months, taking into account the defendant's guilty plea and his clear record.

TCA provides drinks, meals and mahjong service on its premises.

The court heard that while employed by TCA, Tang was responsible for placing orders for "dim sum" ingredients with suppliers.

In 1997, Tang got acquainted with the proprietor of two food companies.

The proprietor proposed to offer Tang rebates for the latter to place purchase orders with his food companies.

The rebates were calculated at 15% of the monthly sales volume of "dim sum" ingredients ordered by TCA.

Tang agreed to the proposed offer. Between March 1998 and November 2001, Tang accepted from the proprietor illegal rebates totalling $178,840.

The prosecution was today represented by Senior Government Counsel Sharman Lam, assisted by ICAC officer Kenny Wong.