RTHK programme officer sentenced for fraud over script-writing fees
2008-8-1
A programme officer of the Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) was today (Friday) sentenced to 160 hours of community service at the District Court for making false claims of script-writing and research fees totalling $93,900.
Chan King-chong, 40, Programme Officer of RTHK, had been found guilty of 10 counts of agent using document with intent to deceive his principal, contrary to Section 9(3) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance; and two counts of conspiracy to defraud.
In sentencing, Judge Joseph Yau Chi-lap said Chan had taken a short cut to claim expenses and that the nature of the offence was serious.
The Judge added that a community service order was meted out after taking into consideration the defendant’s background report.
The court heard that between mid-2000 and 2002, Chan was the producer for the programme “The Morning Suite” .
He was also responsible for engaging freelancers to provide services for various radio programmes.
Between February 21, 2001 and January 30, 2002, Chan had fraudulently prepared and submitted 10 claim forms, in the total amount of $41,300, purportedly showing that his mother had provided script-writing services or research work for “The Morning Suite” and other programmes.
The court heard that his mother in fact never provided the said services to RTHK.
The court further heard that between May 4 and 10, 2001, Chan had performed as an artist for a TV programme produced by RTHK’s Education and Television Division, “The Brave New Teacher” .
Since Chan was a full-time employee of RTHK, he was not entitled to claim the freelance service fee for the said programme.
The court heard that Chan had conspired with an RTHK employee to prepare and submit a claim form, falsely representing that Chan’s mother had performed in the said programme in order to claim the $3,000 service fee.
The court also heard that between October 2000 and February 2002, Chan had conspired with another RTHK employee to prepare and submit 16 claim forms, purportedly showing that the latter’s mother had provided script-writing or research services for “The Morning Suite” , causing the RTHK to pay a total of $49,600.
As a result of Chan’s fraudulent acts, the RTHK had effected payments totaling $93,900, the court heard.
The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel Graeme Mackay, assisted by ICAC officer Alice Wong.
Chan King-chong, 40, Programme Officer of RTHK, had been found guilty of 10 counts of agent using document with intent to deceive his principal, contrary to Section 9(3) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance; and two counts of conspiracy to defraud.
In sentencing, Judge Joseph Yau Chi-lap said Chan had taken a short cut to claim expenses and that the nature of the offence was serious.
The Judge added that a community service order was meted out after taking into consideration the defendant’s background report.
The court heard that between mid-2000 and 2002, Chan was the producer for the programme “The Morning Suite” .
He was also responsible for engaging freelancers to provide services for various radio programmes.
Between February 21, 2001 and January 30, 2002, Chan had fraudulently prepared and submitted 10 claim forms, in the total amount of $41,300, purportedly showing that his mother had provided script-writing services or research work for “The Morning Suite” and other programmes.
The court heard that his mother in fact never provided the said services to RTHK.
The court further heard that between May 4 and 10, 2001, Chan had performed as an artist for a TV programme produced by RTHK’s Education and Television Division, “The Brave New Teacher” .
Since Chan was a full-time employee of RTHK, he was not entitled to claim the freelance service fee for the said programme.
The court heard that Chan had conspired with an RTHK employee to prepare and submit a claim form, falsely representing that Chan’s mother had performed in the said programme in order to claim the $3,000 service fee.
The court also heard that between October 2000 and February 2002, Chan had conspired with another RTHK employee to prepare and submit 16 claim forms, purportedly showing that the latter’s mother had provided script-writing or research services for “The Morning Suite” , causing the RTHK to pay a total of $49,600.
As a result of Chan’s fraudulent acts, the RTHK had effected payments totaling $93,900, the court heard.
The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel Graeme Mackay, assisted by ICAC officer Alice Wong.