Licensed plumber in court for bribing inspector of WSD over plumbing work
2018-3-2
A licensed plumber appeared in the Eastern Magistracy today (March 2) after being charged by the ICAC with bribing an inspector of the Water Supplies Department (WSD) for approval of the plumbing work conducted by him.
Lai Tak-yin, 76, who was charged on Wednesday (February 28), faced one count of offering an advantage to a public servant, contrary to Section 4(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
No plea was taken. Principal Magistrate Madam Bina Chainrai adjourned the case until April 3 for plea, and granted the defendant cash bail of $1,000.
At the material time, the defendant was engaged to conduct plumbing work at a unit of a commercial building in Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong, and apply to WSD for supply of water. A Consumer Services Inspector (CSI) of WSD was assigned to handle the defendant’s application, and to inspect the related plumbing work.
The charge alleged that on October 27, 2017, the defendant, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, offered cash of about $500 to the CSI as a reward for giving approval of the plumbing work conducted by him at the said unit. The CSI rejected the offer immediately and reported the matter to WSD.
The case arose from a corruption complaint referred by WSD, which had rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation.
The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Edward Wong.
Lai Tak-yin, 76, who was charged on Wednesday (February 28), faced one count of offering an advantage to a public servant, contrary to Section 4(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.
No plea was taken. Principal Magistrate Madam Bina Chainrai adjourned the case until April 3 for plea, and granted the defendant cash bail of $1,000.
At the material time, the defendant was engaged to conduct plumbing work at a unit of a commercial building in Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong, and apply to WSD for supply of water. A Consumer Services Inspector (CSI) of WSD was assigned to handle the defendant’s application, and to inspect the related plumbing work.
The charge alleged that on October 27, 2017, the defendant, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, offered cash of about $500 to the CSI as a reward for giving approval of the plumbing work conducted by him at the said unit. The CSI rejected the offer immediately and reported the matter to WSD.
The case arose from a corruption complaint referred by WSD, which had rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation.
The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Edward Wong.