Man charged for alleged role in electricity meter tampering scam after return to HK
2016-6-21
A man, who returned to Hong Kong after absconding for about 14 years, has been charged by the ICAC today (Tuesday) with conspiring with other persons to defraud two electricity companies of over $465,000 in electricity charges by tampering with electricity meters of 18 commercial and residential premises.
Woo Hang-foo, 52, a cleaning worker, faces 17 counts of conspiracy to defraud, contrary to Common Law.
He will appear at the Eastern Magistracy on Thursday (June 23) for transfer of the case to the District Court for plea.
The case arose from corruption complaints. Subsequent ICAC enquiries revealed the above alleged offences.
Thirteen of the charges allege that between October 29, 2000 and October 29, 2001, Woo, then an electricity technician, conspired with other persons to defraud CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) by dishonestly tampering with the electricity meters of a unit of a public housing estate and 12 commercial premises, namely six eateries, two companies, a night club, a bakery, a fitness centre and a car services centre, in Kowloon and the New Territories, thereby causing CLP to undercharge the registered users for the units of electricity actually consumed.
The remaining four charges allege that between June 29 and October 29, 2001, Woo conspired with other persons to defraud Hong Kong Electric Company Limited (HK Electric) by dishonestly tampering with the electricity meters of four eateries and a flat of a residential building on Hong Kong Island, thereby causing HK Electric to undercharge the registered users for the units of electricity actually consumed.
As a result of the alleged tampering activities, Woo caused CLP and HK Electric to lose electricity charges of over $236,000 and about $229,000 respectively.
On October 29, 2001, ICAC officers arrested Woo for his alleged role in an electricity meter tampering scam. He was then released on bail pending further enquiries.
Woo absconded from ICAC bail on August 14, 2002. A warrant of arrest was subsequently issued against him.
On May 29, 2016, Woo was arrested by ICAC officers at the Lo Wu Control Point when he returned to Hong Kong from the Mainland.
CLP and HK Electric have rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation.
Woo has been released on ICAC bail, pending his court appearance on Thursday.
Woo Hang-foo, 52, a cleaning worker, faces 17 counts of conspiracy to defraud, contrary to Common Law.
He will appear at the Eastern Magistracy on Thursday (June 23) for transfer of the case to the District Court for plea.
The case arose from corruption complaints. Subsequent ICAC enquiries revealed the above alleged offences.
Thirteen of the charges allege that between October 29, 2000 and October 29, 2001, Woo, then an electricity technician, conspired with other persons to defraud CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) by dishonestly tampering with the electricity meters of a unit of a public housing estate and 12 commercial premises, namely six eateries, two companies, a night club, a bakery, a fitness centre and a car services centre, in Kowloon and the New Territories, thereby causing CLP to undercharge the registered users for the units of electricity actually consumed.
The remaining four charges allege that between June 29 and October 29, 2001, Woo conspired with other persons to defraud Hong Kong Electric Company Limited (HK Electric) by dishonestly tampering with the electricity meters of four eateries and a flat of a residential building on Hong Kong Island, thereby causing HK Electric to undercharge the registered users for the units of electricity actually consumed.
As a result of the alleged tampering activities, Woo caused CLP and HK Electric to lose electricity charges of over $236,000 and about $229,000 respectively.
On October 29, 2001, ICAC officers arrested Woo for his alleged role in an electricity meter tampering scam. He was then released on bail pending further enquiries.
Woo absconded from ICAC bail on August 14, 2002. A warrant of arrest was subsequently issued against him.
On May 29, 2016, Woo was arrested by ICAC officers at the Lo Wu Control Point when he returned to Hong Kong from the Mainland.
CLP and HK Electric have rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation.
Woo has been released on ICAC bail, pending his court appearance on Thursday.