Domestic helper in court for alleged bribe-for-loans scam
2014-9-18
A domestic helper appeared in the Eastern Magistracy today (Thursday) after being charged by the ICAC with bribery and fraud in relation to applications for loans totalling $53,500 from two licensed money lenders.
Atik Nur Azizah, 33, who was charged on Tuesday (September 16), faced one count of offering an advantage to an agent, contrary to Section 9(2) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
She further faced one count of conspiracy to defraud, contrary to Common Law; and three of fraud, contrary to Section 16A(1) of the Theft Ordinance.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. Principal Magistrate Ms Bina Chainrai adjourned the case until October 16 this year for a pre-trial review.
At the material time, the defendant was a domestic helper, who applied for loans from two licensed money lenders –'96 Public Finance Limited (PFL) and HS Finance & Credit Company Limited (HS Finance).
One of the charges alleged that in March 2013, the defendant offered $1,000 to a sales executive of PFL as a reward for referring her to apply for a loan from PFL.
Another charge alleged that on April 3, 2013, the defendant conspired with the sales executive of PFL to defraud PFL by dishonestly submitting false copies of passport, employment visa and employment contract in her name to PFL, causing PFL to approve a l oan of $4,000 to her.
Two other charges alleged that on June 4 and August 13, 2013, the defendant falsely represented to PFL that the above copies submitted in relation to two applications were genuine, and with intent to defraud, induced PFL to approve the loans of $4,500 and $30,000 to her respectively.
The remaining charge alleged that on April 2, 2013, the defendant made a similar false representation to HS Finance, and with intent to defraud, induced HS Finance to approve a loan of $15,000 to her.
The defendant was granted cash bail. She was also ordered to surrender her travel documents, not to leave Hong Kong and report to the Police twice a week.
PFL and HS Finance had rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation.
The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Alphonsus Fong.
Atik Nur Azizah, 33, who was charged on Tuesday (September 16), faced one count of offering an advantage to an agent, contrary to Section 9(2) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
She further faced one count of conspiracy to defraud, contrary to Common Law; and three of fraud, contrary to Section 16A(1) of the Theft Ordinance.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. Principal Magistrate Ms Bina Chainrai adjourned the case until October 16 this year for a pre-trial review.
At the material time, the defendant was a domestic helper, who applied for loans from two licensed money lenders –'96 Public Finance Limited (PFL) and HS Finance & Credit Company Limited (HS Finance).
One of the charges alleged that in March 2013, the defendant offered $1,000 to a sales executive of PFL as a reward for referring her to apply for a loan from PFL.
Another charge alleged that on April 3, 2013, the defendant conspired with the sales executive of PFL to defraud PFL by dishonestly submitting false copies of passport, employment visa and employment contract in her name to PFL, causing PFL to approve a l oan of $4,000 to her.
Two other charges alleged that on June 4 and August 13, 2013, the defendant falsely represented to PFL that the above copies submitted in relation to two applications were genuine, and with intent to defraud, induced PFL to approve the loans of $4,500 and $30,000 to her respectively.
The remaining charge alleged that on April 2, 2013, the defendant made a similar false representation to HS Finance, and with intent to defraud, induced HS Finance to approve a loan of $15,000 to her.
The defendant was granted cash bail. She was also ordered to surrender her travel documents, not to leave Hong Kong and report to the Police twice a week.
PFL and HS Finance had rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation.
The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Alphonsus Fong.