ICAC statement
2023-10-13
In response to media enquiries, an ICAC spokesperson confirmed that the Commission had earlier mounted an operation, resulting in a crackdown of a corruption syndicate which allegedly engaged in bribery and fraudulent means to assist Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme members to apply for early withdrawal of their MPF with false documents and statutory declarations.
The investigation arose from corruption complaints filed with the ICAC. Enquiries revealed that the syndicate was masterminded by an insurance agent, who was also an MFP intermediary. The insurance agent had allegedly accepted bribes for assisting a number of MPF scheme members to apply for early withdrawal of their MPF. They falsely represented to the MPF trustee that the MPF scheme members concerned would permanently leave Hong Kong to reside in the Mainland. Such applications involved the use of false documents including statutory declarations and proofs of employment or residence in the Mainland. The insurance agent had allegedly accepted bribe payments ranging from several thousand dollars to several ten thousand dollars from each applicant.
So far 20 persons were arrested in the ICAC operation, including the aforesaid insurance agent and some 10 MPF scheme members concerned. They had allegedly violated section 9 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. During the operation, ICAC officers also executed warrants issued by the court and searched various premises, including residences and offices of the arrestees. The arrestees had been released on ICAC bail.
As the corruption investigation is continuing, the ICAC would not make further comments. In accordance with the law and established procedures, upon completion of the investigation, the ICAC will seek legal advice from the Department of Justice in deciding if prosecution should be instigated.
An ICAC spokesperson reminds members of the public that bribery, using false instruments and false statutory declarations, etc. are serious crimes which they should avoid committing.
The investigation arose from corruption complaints filed with the ICAC. Enquiries revealed that the syndicate was masterminded by an insurance agent, who was also an MFP intermediary. The insurance agent had allegedly accepted bribes for assisting a number of MPF scheme members to apply for early withdrawal of their MPF. They falsely represented to the MPF trustee that the MPF scheme members concerned would permanently leave Hong Kong to reside in the Mainland. Such applications involved the use of false documents including statutory declarations and proofs of employment or residence in the Mainland. The insurance agent had allegedly accepted bribe payments ranging from several thousand dollars to several ten thousand dollars from each applicant.
So far 20 persons were arrested in the ICAC operation, including the aforesaid insurance agent and some 10 MPF scheme members concerned. They had allegedly violated section 9 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. During the operation, ICAC officers also executed warrants issued by the court and searched various premises, including residences and offices of the arrestees. The arrestees had been released on ICAC bail.
As the corruption investigation is continuing, the ICAC would not make further comments. In accordance with the law and established procedures, upon completion of the investigation, the ICAC will seek legal advice from the Department of Justice in deciding if prosecution should be instigated.
An ICAC spokesperson reminds members of the public that bribery, using false instruments and false statutory declarations, etc. are serious crimes which they should avoid committing.