ICAC suspect extradited from USA to face $9.6m bribery charges
2004-8-12
A former financial controller of a US-based electronic products manufacturer, wanted by the ICAC, was today (Thursday) extradited from the United States of America (USA) to Hong Kong to face prosecution for allegedly accepting bribes totalling $9.6 millio n.
Grace Chan Seong-I, 45, formerly employed by Honeywell Limited (Honeywell), was arrested by the Police in New Mexico, USA in October 16, 2002 at the request of the Hong Kong government.
Accompanied by two ICAC officers, Chan boarded a flight in Los Angeles and arrived in Hong Kong this morning.
Chan was charged with three counts of agent accepting an advantage under Section 9(1)(b) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, and brought to Eastern Magistracy this afternoon.
No plea was taken. Magistrate Mr David Thomas adjourned the case until September 9, 2004 for transfer to District Court.
The charges alleged that between August 4 and October 27, 1994, Chan had accepted a total of $9.6 million from two partners of a design consultant company.
The alleged bribes were said to be rewards for Chan assisting the design consultant company in obtaining decoration projects from Honeywell or its affiliated companies, and obtaining payments for those projects.
Chan left Hong Kong on July 21, 1995 before the ICAC commenced an investigation, and was subsequently found residing in New Mexico. On December 19, 2001, a warrant for her arrest was issued by a court in Hong Kong.
On December 31, 2001, the Department of Justice made a formal request to the USA for the surrender of Chan.
Since her arrest by the Police in New Mexico on October 16, 2002, Chan was facing extradition proceedings.
On June 14 this year, a judge of the District Court in New Mexico ruled that Chan had to be surrendered. Yesterday, Chan was extradited from the USA to Hong Kong.
Chan was granted cash bail of $1 million. She was ordered to surrender all travel documents, not to leave Hong Kong, reside at the reported address, and report to the Police four times a week.
The prosecution was today represented by Senior Government Counsel Maggie Yang, assisted by ICAC officer Winnie Lee.
Grace Chan Seong-I, 45, formerly employed by Honeywell Limited (Honeywell), was arrested by the Police in New Mexico, USA in October 16, 2002 at the request of the Hong Kong government.
Accompanied by two ICAC officers, Chan boarded a flight in Los Angeles and arrived in Hong Kong this morning.
Chan was charged with three counts of agent accepting an advantage under Section 9(1)(b) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, and brought to Eastern Magistracy this afternoon.
No plea was taken. Magistrate Mr David Thomas adjourned the case until September 9, 2004 for transfer to District Court.
The charges alleged that between August 4 and October 27, 1994, Chan had accepted a total of $9.6 million from two partners of a design consultant company.
The alleged bribes were said to be rewards for Chan assisting the design consultant company in obtaining decoration projects from Honeywell or its affiliated companies, and obtaining payments for those projects.
Chan left Hong Kong on July 21, 1995 before the ICAC commenced an investigation, and was subsequently found residing in New Mexico. On December 19, 2001, a warrant for her arrest was issued by a court in Hong Kong.
On December 31, 2001, the Department of Justice made a formal request to the USA for the surrender of Chan.
Since her arrest by the Police in New Mexico on October 16, 2002, Chan was facing extradition proceedings.
On June 14 this year, a judge of the District Court in New Mexico ruled that Chan had to be surrendered. Yesterday, Chan was extradited from the USA to Hong Kong.
Chan was granted cash bail of $1 million. She was ordered to surrender all travel documents, not to leave Hong Kong, reside at the reported address, and report to the Police four times a week.
The prosecution was today represented by Senior Government Counsel Maggie Yang, assisted by ICAC officer Winnie Lee.