24th March 2023 – (Hong Kong) The Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has charged a firefighter with fraud after uncovering that he allegedly failed to fully disclose outstanding loans during an investigation into a corruption case. The ICAC alleges that the firefighter had used deceit to secure a HK$300,000 loan from a financial company.
The accused, 26-year-old Lee Lit-fung, allegedly applied for a HK$400,000 loan from Public Finance Limited (PFL) in April 2021, indicating on the loan application that he had only two outstanding loans totaling over HK$130,000. However, it is alleged that he did not fully disclose two other loans, amounting to approximately HK$180,000, which were issued by a bank and another financial company.
It is alleged that Lee misled PFL into believing that the information provided on the loan application was true and complete, and that he had no other outstanding loans. As a result, PFL approved a HK$300,000 loan for Lee. The ICAC began investigating the case after receiving a complaint, during which they uncovered the alleged fraud.
The ICAC investigation found that Lee had allegedly used deceit to induce PFL to approve the loan, which constitutes fraud under the Theft Ordinance. Consequently, Lee has been charged with one count of fraud and is set to appear in the Sha Tin Magistrates’ Court on 27th March.
During the court hearing, Lee was granted bail and is expected to plead to the charge next month. The ICAC has reminded the public to fully disclose all relevant information on loan applications to prevent committing similar offences.