Ex-sales manager of property agency jailed for soliciting illegal commissions
2012-2-7
A former sales manager of a property agency, charged by the ICAC, was today (Tuesday) sentenced to an imprisonment of 10 months and two weeks at Eastern Magistracy after being convicted of soliciting illegal commissions from his subordinate in leasing tra nsactions.
Wong Shiu-foo, 52, formerly employed by Hong Kong Property Services (Agency) Limited (HKPS), was today found guilty of one count of agent soliciting an advantage, contrary to Section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
In sentencing, Magistrate Mr Johnny Chan Jong-herng said the court had to mete out a jail term to the defendant to reflect the seriousness of his bribery offence.
The court heard that at the material times, the defendant was employed by HKPS as a sales manager posted to its branch in Tsimshatsui. Under his supervision was Ho Ching-yan, a property agent.
On March 7, 2010, the defendant was approached by a couple who wanted to rent a residential flat in Tsimshatsui. The defendant assigned Ho to take the couple to view some properties.
Introduced by Ho, the couple decided to rent a flat in Sorrento for $25,000 per month in that afternoon. Subsequently, a provisional rental agreement was signed by the couple, who agreed to pay $12,500 as commission to HKPS.
The court heard that in the evening of that day, the defendant and Ho had dinner with the couple at a restaurant.
During the dinner, the couple told Ho that they also wished to rent a parking space in Sorrento.
After returning to the branch, the defendant solicited from Ho 30% of her share of commissions to be received from HKPS in relation to the leasing transactions.
On March 8, 2010, Ho found a parking space in Sorrento for the couple, who agreed to pay $1,050 as commission to HKPS.
The court heard that in April 2010, Ho received from HKPS commissions of $3,560 for the transactions.
One month later, the defendant rang Ho and told her that she should pay him $2,000. The defendant also asked Ho to transfer the money into his bank account, the court was told.
The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel Stephen Lau, assisted by ICAC officer Jonathan Ho.
Wong Shiu-foo, 52, formerly employed by Hong Kong Property Services (Agency) Limited (HKPS), was today found guilty of one count of agent soliciting an advantage, contrary to Section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
In sentencing, Magistrate Mr Johnny Chan Jong-herng said the court had to mete out a jail term to the defendant to reflect the seriousness of his bribery offence.
The court heard that at the material times, the defendant was employed by HKPS as a sales manager posted to its branch in Tsimshatsui. Under his supervision was Ho Ching-yan, a property agent.
On March 7, 2010, the defendant was approached by a couple who wanted to rent a residential flat in Tsimshatsui. The defendant assigned Ho to take the couple to view some properties.
Introduced by Ho, the couple decided to rent a flat in Sorrento for $25,000 per month in that afternoon. Subsequently, a provisional rental agreement was signed by the couple, who agreed to pay $12,500 as commission to HKPS.
The court heard that in the evening of that day, the defendant and Ho had dinner with the couple at a restaurant.
During the dinner, the couple told Ho that they also wished to rent a parking space in Sorrento.
After returning to the branch, the defendant solicited from Ho 30% of her share of commissions to be received from HKPS in relation to the leasing transactions.
On March 8, 2010, Ho found a parking space in Sorrento for the couple, who agreed to pay $1,050 as commission to HKPS.
The court heard that in April 2010, Ho received from HKPS commissions of $3,560 for the transactions.
One month later, the defendant rang Ho and told her that she should pay him $2,000. The defendant also asked Ho to transfer the money into his bank account, the court was told.
The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel Stephen Lau, assisted by ICAC officer Jonathan Ho.