Six months’ jail for team leader of Three-Runway System Project’s subcontractor for bribery

A team leader of a subcontractor of the Three-Runway System Project (3RS Project) of the Hong Kong International Airport, charged by the ICAC, was today (July 22) sentenced to six months’ imprisonment at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts for soliciting a bribe of $100 to $200 per day from a crane operator for continuing his employment.

Hui Wai-kwok, 39, former team leader of New Ocean Machine Co., Limited (New Ocean), was earlier found guilty of one count of agent soliciting an advantage, contrary to section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.

In sentencing, Magistrate Mr Gary Chu Man-hon remarked that the offence in the present case was serious in nature. The defendant exploited his subordinate out of greed, warranting a deterrent sentence.

At the material time, New Ocean was a crane rental service provider of the 3RS Project. The company prohibited its employees from soliciting or accepting any advantages from others in relation to its business and affairs. As a team leader of New Ocean responsible for leading a team of crane operators to work at the construction site of the 3RS Project, the defendant had the authority to dismiss workers under his supervision.

The ICAC investigation revealed that in early December 2022, the defendant solicited a bribe of $100 to $200 per day from a worker under his supervision for assisting latter to continue his employment with New Ocean. The worker joined New Ocean in November 2022 at a daily wage of $1,400. Soon after the defendant made the solicitation, the worker resigned and did not pay any bribe.

New Ocean rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.

The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel Stephen Lau, assisted by ICAC officer Lawrence Wong.