A former Artisan of the Lands Department has been charged by the ICAC today (January 31) with defrauding the Hong Kong Government of reimbursement of travelling expenses totalling over $13,000 in a period of over four years.

Mok Ka-chung, 60, faces one count of fraud, contrary to Section 16A of the Theft Ordinance.

The defendant will appear at the Eastern Magistracy next Monday (February 4) for plea.

The case arose from a corruption complaint. Subsequent ICAC enquiries revealed the above alleged offence.

At the material time, the defendant worked as an Artisan of the Lands Department, and was required to travel from its Squatter Control (Islands) Office in Central to outlying islands by ferry to work every day with his supervisor. He was entitled to claim travelling expenses on his duty journeys by submitting an application form on a monthly basis.

The charge alleges that between March 1, 2013 and December 29, 2017, the defendant dishonestly:

(i) furnished false information in application forms representing that he had paid full fares in taking public transport and incurring the travelling expenses as stated in the forms;

(ii) submitted the application forms as supporting documents in respect of his claims for reimbursement of travelling expenses; and

(iii) concealed the fact that he was entitled to concessionary fares in taking public transport under the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities.

It was alleged that with intent to defraud, the defendant induced staff members of the Lands Department to approve his applications for reimbursement of travelling expenses and overpaid him a total of over $13,000, which resulted in benefit to him and prejudice to the Hong Kong Government.

The Lands Department has rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.

The defendant has been released on ICAC bail, pending his court appearance on Monday.