The former chairman of publicly listed Wealthmark International (Holdings) Limited (Wealthmark), charged by the ICAC, was today (Wednesday) sentenced at the District Court to an additional 27 months' imprisonment for his role in defrauding banks of $57 mi llion in Letters of Credit (L/Cs) facilities based on bogus business transactions.

In response to press enquiries, an ICAC spokesman today (Wednesday) confirmed that 30 persons have been arrested for allegedly violating the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance in relation to the lease and sale of properties.

Two former staff of a department store, charged by the ICAC, were today (Thursday) given prison terms at District Court for bribery and fraud in relation to the purchase of computer and related equipment.

A businessman, charged by the ICAC, was today (Wednesday) sentenced to an imprisonment of four years and nine months at District Court for his role in a scam to defraud over $1.2 million in relation to the transfer of market stalls managed by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD).

According to a survey released by the Control Risks Group on Monday, 76% of the 50 Hong Kong companies polled said that they believed they had lost business in the last five years because a competitor had paid a bribe.

In response to press enquiries about the results of a survey released by Control Risks Group, an ICAC spokesman today made the following statement:

Officers of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) must always adhere to the law in carrying out anti-corruption work and continue to strive for excellence in face of the ever changing social circumstances, said ICAC Commissioner Raymond Won g Hung-chiu today (Friday).

Ten persons were today (Wednesday) charged by the ICAC for their alleged involvement in bribery scams in relation to food supplies to various restaurants and hotels.

An officer of the Home Affairs Bureau (HAB), charged by the ICAC, was today (Wednesday) sentenced to three years' imprisonment at the District Court for misappropriating government funds totalling $1.5 million in relation to the bureau's youth exchange pr ogrammes.

Three persons, charged by the ICAC, were today (Monday) sentenced to jail terms at Kwun Tong Magistracy for bribery in relation to consultancy and renovation contracts of a residential building in Kwun Tong.