27th September 2023 – (Hong Kong) The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has charged a 67-year-old businessman surnamed Tam with impersonating ICAC officers. The businessman is accused of pretending to be an ICAC officer and approaching three individuals. Furthermore, during the course of the case, the defendant allegedly uploaded five closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage clips related to the case onto social media platforms, claiming that the prosecution witnesses had forged the evidence. The businessman faces charges of impersonating ICAC officers and obstructing the course of justice, with three counts and five counts respectively.
Following a trial at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts, the presiding judge, Judge Patrick Tsang Hing-tung, ruled on the case today (27th) and found the accused guilty on all eight charges. Judge Tsang deemed the defendant’s defence to be illogical and lacking in reason. The judge also concluded that the accused had indeed impersonated ICAC officers and uploaded the CCTV footage clips in an attempt to intimidate and influence the prosecution witnesses.
During the trial, there were indications suggesting that the defendant may have mental health issues, a suspicion that was also acknowledged by the defence counsel. Judge Tsang noted that the defendant’s behaviour exhibited signs of paranoid delusions. In the interest of the accused, the judge decided to obtain background and psychiatric reports on the defendant to assess whether a hospital order would be appropriate. The sentencing has been adjourned until 11th October, and the defendant will remain in custody during this period.