HK corruption watchdog charges Stanley Ho’s relative in corruption case

Wilson Fung, Hong Kong’s former deputy secretary for Economic Development and Labor, and Cheyenne Chan, the former director and shareholder of three companies including Helicopters Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong Express Airways Limited and Heli Express Limited, will face charges by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). The ICAC concluded a probe into graft complaints over flat-
swap deals and other related matters that involved an alleged bribe in the amount of HKD510,000.

According to the ICAC’s press release last Friday, Fung will face two charges, including accepting an advantage as a public servant and misconduct in public office.

Chan, who is the sister-in-law of gaming tycoon Stanley Ho, faces a charge of offering an advantage to a public servant.

In the statement by the ICAC, after the investigation concluded, based on the findings and advice from the Department of Justice, the ICAC has decided to proceed with the charges.

The anti-graft bureau of Hong Kong also noted that “at the material time, Fung, being Deputy Secretary for Economic Development and Labor and head of the Aviation Division of the Economic Development and Labor Bureau, was responsible for, inter alia, air service negotiations, designation of carriers and allocation of air traffic rights,” a position which he had allegedly taken unlawful advantage of in accepting the sum from Chan, “as a reward for being or remaining favorably disposed to her and/or the three companies controlled by her or related to her.”

According to the ICAC investigation, the money was then used by Fung as an initial deposit for the purchase of an apartment unit on Robinson Road.

Following the news, Fung was suspended from his current post as executive director of corporate development at the Airport Authority.

The same statement states that the ICAC has decided to drop charges against other people potentially involved in case, such as the Fung’s wife, Betty Ching, who is the head of the government’s Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office, based on “legal advice,” that concluded that, “there is insufficient evidence to prefer prosecution against other persons involved in the investigation.”

The defendants have been released on ICAC bail, pending their court appearances at the Eastern Magistracy tomorrow, for transfer to the District Court for plea. RM