Businessman wanted by ICAC for alleged forged passport scam re-arrested
2005-10-24
A businessman, wanted by the ICAC in connection with a 1982 investigation concerning a criminal syndicate which arranged Hong Kong residents to enter the United States with forged Taiwanese passports, was re-arrested last Saturday when attempting to enter Hong Kong from New York at the Hong Kong International Airport.
Yao Tao-fa, alias David Yao and Yao Too-fat, 61, was brought before Eastern Magistracy today (Monday) on one count of possessing equipment for making a false instrument.
No plea was taken. Magistrate Mr Ian Candy adjourned the case to October 31, 2005 for mention, and remanded the defendant in ICAC custody.
The defendant was alleged of having in his custody forged seals and dies for making documents purporting to be British and Taiwanese passports.
The alleged offence took place on October 9, 1982.
Yao was arrested by the ICAC on October 7, 1982, and was subsequently released on bail, pending further investigation.
Yao failed to report bail to the ICAC on December 22, 1982, and a warrant for his arrest was issued on December 31, 1982.
The ICAC investigation, originated in 1982 from a corruption complaint, alleged that unidentified law enforcement officers might have corruptly facilitated illegal immigration to the United States.
Apart from Yao, a total of 14 persons had been charged in relation to the scam. All of them were convicted and were given custodial or suspended sentences, or fined.
The prosecution was today represented by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Ian McWalters SC, assisted by ICAC officers Bob Nash and Miranda Cheung.
Yao Tao-fa, alias David Yao and Yao Too-fat, 61, was brought before Eastern Magistracy today (Monday) on one count of possessing equipment for making a false instrument.
No plea was taken. Magistrate Mr Ian Candy adjourned the case to October 31, 2005 for mention, and remanded the defendant in ICAC custody.
The defendant was alleged of having in his custody forged seals and dies for making documents purporting to be British and Taiwanese passports.
The alleged offence took place on October 9, 1982.
Yao was arrested by the ICAC on October 7, 1982, and was subsequently released on bail, pending further investigation.
Yao failed to report bail to the ICAC on December 22, 1982, and a warrant for his arrest was issued on December 31, 1982.
The ICAC investigation, originated in 1982 from a corruption complaint, alleged that unidentified law enforcement officers might have corruptly facilitated illegal immigration to the United States.
Apart from Yao, a total of 14 persons had been charged in relation to the scam. All of them were convicted and were given custodial or suspended sentences, or fined.
The prosecution was today represented by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Ian McWalters SC, assisted by ICAC officers Bob Nash and Miranda Cheung.