Fugitive returns from Canada to face court for alleged emigration scam
2003-11-21
A former emigration consultant, wanted by the ICAC for an alleged scam to help his clients emigrate to Canada with forged academic certificates, was brought to Western Magistracy this (Friday) morning following his return from Canada.
Simon Chan Wang-kwok, 50, escorted by ICAC officers, voluntarily returned from Canada to Hong Kong last night.
Chan, former proprietor of Saga Investment Consultant Company, was charged with one count of conspiracy to make false instruments and three of conspiracy to use false instruments.
No plea was taken today. Magistrate Mr Timothy Jenkins adjourned the case until December 12, 2003 for plea at District Court, and remanded the defendant in the custody of the Correctional Services Department.
One of the charges alleged that Chan had conspired with a person to make false certificates and diplomas purportedly issued by City College and Leung's Institute.
The remaining three charges alleged Chan of conspiring with other persons to use false certificates or diplomas issued by City College or Leung's Institute.
The alleged offences took place between August 1996 and April 1998.
The case arose from a corruption complaint, alleging that Chan might have offered advantages to a manager of City College for providing false certificates to his clients to apply for emigration to Canada. ICAC enquiries uncovered the alleged conspiracy o ffences.
Chan left Hong Kong for Canada in May 1998. A warrant for his arrest was then issued by the court.
He was arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Montreal on October 15, 2003 on ICAC's behalf.
After his arrest by RCMP, Chan waived extradition proceedings, and agreed to return to Hong Kong to face prosecution.
The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Wendy Yip.
Simon Chan Wang-kwok, 50, escorted by ICAC officers, voluntarily returned from Canada to Hong Kong last night.
Chan, former proprietor of Saga Investment Consultant Company, was charged with one count of conspiracy to make false instruments and three of conspiracy to use false instruments.
No plea was taken today. Magistrate Mr Timothy Jenkins adjourned the case until December 12, 2003 for plea at District Court, and remanded the defendant in the custody of the Correctional Services Department.
One of the charges alleged that Chan had conspired with a person to make false certificates and diplomas purportedly issued by City College and Leung's Institute.
The remaining three charges alleged Chan of conspiring with other persons to use false certificates or diplomas issued by City College or Leung's Institute.
The alleged offences took place between August 1996 and April 1998.
The case arose from a corruption complaint, alleging that Chan might have offered advantages to a manager of City College for providing false certificates to his clients to apply for emigration to Canada. ICAC enquiries uncovered the alleged conspiracy o ffences.
Chan left Hong Kong for Canada in May 1998. A warrant for his arrest was then issued by the court.
He was arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Montreal on October 15, 2003 on ICAC's behalf.
After his arrest by RCMP, Chan waived extradition proceedings, and agreed to return to Hong Kong to face prosecution.
The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Wendy Yip.