FEHD Foreman charged by ICAC for accepting unauthorised loan from subordinate
2024-6-5
A Foreman of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) was charged by the ICAC yesterday (June 4) for allegedly accepting an unauthorised loan of $60,000 from a subordinate in breach of the anti-bribery law.
Lai Tak-sum, 56, Foreman of the FEHD, faces one count of prescribed officer accepting an advantage, contrary to section 3 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO). He was released on ICAC bail, pending his appearance in the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (June 6) for plea.
At the material time, the defendant was a Foreman of the FEHD posted to the Cleansing and Pest Control Section (Central/Western). Among his subordinates was a Workman II of the FEHD.
It is alleged that on September 27, 2023, the defendant, without the general or special permission of the Chief Executive, solicited and accepted a loan of $60,000 from the Workman II of the FEHD.
The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint. Enquiries revealed that the defendant borrowed money from the subordinate but he had never sought any permission pursuant to the relevant government regulation. It was also revealed that the defendant delayed making a repayment. As at November last year, the defendant had only repaid $1,500 to the subordinate.
The FEHD has rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.
The ICAC reminds civil servants to uphold integrity. Civil servants should strictly adhere to the POBO as well as the provisions in the “Acceptance of Advantages (Chief Executive Permission) Notice” relating to the acceptance of advantages offered to them in their private capacity. They should also observe the departmental guidelines on money lending and borrowing among colleagues.
Lai Tak-sum, 56, Foreman of the FEHD, faces one count of prescribed officer accepting an advantage, contrary to section 3 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO). He was released on ICAC bail, pending his appearance in the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (June 6) for plea.
At the material time, the defendant was a Foreman of the FEHD posted to the Cleansing and Pest Control Section (Central/Western). Among his subordinates was a Workman II of the FEHD.
It is alleged that on September 27, 2023, the defendant, without the general or special permission of the Chief Executive, solicited and accepted a loan of $60,000 from the Workman II of the FEHD.
The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint. Enquiries revealed that the defendant borrowed money from the subordinate but he had never sought any permission pursuant to the relevant government regulation. It was also revealed that the defendant delayed making a repayment. As at November last year, the defendant had only repaid $1,500 to the subordinate.
The FEHD has rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.
The ICAC reminds civil servants to uphold integrity. Civil servants should strictly adhere to the POBO as well as the provisions in the “Acceptance of Advantages (Chief Executive Permission) Notice” relating to the acceptance of advantages offered to them in their private capacity. They should also observe the departmental guidelines on money lending and borrowing among colleagues.