Kwoks ‘paid CS HK$34m in bribes’

Former chief secretary, Rafael Hui, and the co-chairmen of Sun Hung Kai Properties, Thomas and Raymond Kwok, have appeared in Eastern Court after being charged in a high-profile corruption case. The ICAC alleges that Mr Hui accepted more than HK$34 million worth of bribes from the Kwok brothers in exchange for favourable treatment.

No plea was taken and the case was adjourned until October 12, to allow prosecutors to prepare papers and seek overseas legal assistance.

The alleged offences include conspiracy to offer advantages and misconduct in public office. The ICAC alleges that Mr Hui received the massive bribes from the Kwok brothers between 2000 and 2009. This is said to have consisted of almost HK$30 million of cash, over HK$5 million in loans and the rent-free use of a luxury flat in Happy Valley.

In return, Mr Hui is accused of favouring the brothers in his capacity, not only as the chief secretary, but also during his term of office as an executive councillor, the chairman of the steering committee of the West Kowloon Cultural district project, as well as the head of the mandatory provident fund schemes authorities.

Mr Hui faces eight corruption charges, while Thomas and Raymond Kwok face two and three charges respectively.

Two other defendants, Sun Hung Kai Properties executive director, Thomas Chan, and a former senior officer at the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, Francis Kwan, were also charged with conspiring with the brothers to offer advantages to Mr Hui.

Mr Hui is on HK$500,000 bail, and the Kwoks are on bail of HK$10 million each.