Drivers admit accepting illegal rebate over purchase of vehicle
2013-9-24
A driver of a fashion company and a former driver of a textile company, charged by the ICAC, today (Tuesday) admitted at the Eastern Magistracy their roles in conspiring to accept an illegal rebate of $18,000 in relation to the purchase of a new vehicle worth over $1.73 million.
Lam Cheung-to, 41, driver of China Resources Fashion (Holdings) Company Limited (CRF), and Chung Chi-shing, 62, former driver of China Resources Textiles (Holdings) Company Limited (CRT), pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to accept an advantage as agents, contrary to Section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and Section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.
Magistrate Mr Symon Wong Yu-wing adjourned the case to October 15 this year for sentence. The defendants were remanded in the custody of the Correctional Services Department.
The court heard that at the material time, Lam and Chung were drivers of CRF and CRT respectively.
In early February 2011, the defendants were instructed by the general manager of the personnel and administration department of CRF and CRT to purchase a vehicle for an associated company of CRF.
Upon the recommendation of the defendants, the general manager approved in principle the acquisition of a brand new vehicle from Gainfull Motors Limited (GML).
Chung signed a provisional agreement with GML to purchase the vehicle at around $1.65 million. Owing to an increase in the vehicle tax, Lam signed another provisional agreement with GML at over $1.73 million.
The court heard that prior to the deal, Lam discussed with Chung on the solicitation of a rebate from the salesperson of GML in relation to the purchase of the vehicle.
After the deal was completed, Lam approached the salesperson of GML and solicited an unspecified amount of rebate from him.
Lam later collected a cheque for $18,000 issued by GML payable to him at the showroom of GML. After depositing the cheque into his bank account, Lam withdrew $9,000 in cash and gave it to Chung.
CRF and CRT prohibited their employees from soliciting or accepting any advantages in relation to the companies’ business or affairs, the court was told.
CRF and CRT had rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation.
The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Jeff Ng.
Lam Cheung-to, 41, driver of China Resources Fashion (Holdings) Company Limited (CRF), and Chung Chi-shing, 62, former driver of China Resources Textiles (Holdings) Company Limited (CRT), pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to accept an advantage as agents, contrary to Section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and Section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance.
Magistrate Mr Symon Wong Yu-wing adjourned the case to October 15 this year for sentence. The defendants were remanded in the custody of the Correctional Services Department.
The court heard that at the material time, Lam and Chung were drivers of CRF and CRT respectively.
In early February 2011, the defendants were instructed by the general manager of the personnel and administration department of CRF and CRT to purchase a vehicle for an associated company of CRF.
Upon the recommendation of the defendants, the general manager approved in principle the acquisition of a brand new vehicle from Gainfull Motors Limited (GML).
Chung signed a provisional agreement with GML to purchase the vehicle at around $1.65 million. Owing to an increase in the vehicle tax, Lam signed another provisional agreement with GML at over $1.73 million.
The court heard that prior to the deal, Lam discussed with Chung on the solicitation of a rebate from the salesperson of GML in relation to the purchase of the vehicle.
After the deal was completed, Lam approached the salesperson of GML and solicited an unspecified amount of rebate from him.
Lam later collected a cheque for $18,000 issued by GML payable to him at the showroom of GML. After depositing the cheque into his bank account, Lam withdrew $9,000 in cash and gave it to Chung.
CRF and CRT prohibited their employees from soliciting or accepting any advantages in relation to the companies’ business or affairs, the court was told.
CRF and CRT had rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation.
The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Jeff Ng.