Company director guilty of using false passport to open bank accounts as revealed in ICAC graft probe

A company director, charged by the ICAC, was convicted today (April 24) at the District Court of offences including obtaining services by deception, following a corruption investigation that revealed the defendant had used a false passport to open bank accounts.

Fang Siyuan, 38, was found guilty of two counts of obtaining services by deception after trial, contrary to section 18A(1) of the Theft Ordinance; and two counts of possession of a false or forged travel document, contrary to section 42(2)(c)(i) of the Immigration Ordinance.

Deputy Judge Mr Ko Wai-hung adjourned the case to May 15 for sentencing, and remanded the defendant in the custody of the Correctional Services Department.

The court heard that the defendant met with staff from two banks in November 2020 and September 2021 respectively to apply for opening personal bank accounts. He falsely represented himself as Fong Tim, and presented a Mexican passport to the bank staff, signing the account application documents to confirm that the information provided was true and correct. Consequently, the defendant dishonestly obtained services from both banks and successfully opened eight accounts.

The defendant was also convicted of possessing two false or forged travel documents: the abovementioned Mexican passport and a Canadian passport. The name and date of birth recorded on these false passports did not match the information shown on his other identity documents.

The two banks concerned rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.

The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel John Marray, assisted by ICAC officer Eva Chan.