Prosecutor says former top HK official under Hung Kai payment

The former number two official in Hong Kong allegedly had used his position of power to serve his own personal interest and receive illicit payments in secret or in disguise from Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd, according to prosecutor David Perry at the hinese city's High Court. Bloomberg said Hui is currently in trial today along with billionaire brothers Thomas and Raymond Kwok, who run the property developer, or charges including conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office and to offer an advantage to a public servant. According to the news agency, the case has drawn scrutiny to ties between public officials and businessmen.

Prosecutors claimed that the former chief secretary of the Hong Kong government had received a total of over HK$35 million ($4.5 million) in form of payments and loans between the years 2005 to 2007.

Perry told the nine-member jury about Hui's alleged wrongdoing and his collusion with the Kwok brothers, "(As chief secretary, Hui had) access to highly confidential information on matters in which Sun Hung Kai had a profound and deep commercial interest. Each played a part in making secret payments, each could be trusted with what was taking place concealed from public view."

All three have pleaded not guilty to all charges filed against them. Apart from the three, Sun Hung Kai director Thomas Chan and Francis Kwan, a former executive at Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd were also filed with related charges and have submitted not guilty pleas as well.

Perry said Hui, who also served as head of the country's pension fund authority prior to his work in the government service, said that the accused's loyalty should that be with the people. Perry's claims are part of his opening statement today in the trial.

Bloomberg said Sun Hung Kai owns the two tallest buildings in the city. Several Wall Street banks including organ Stanley, Credit Suisse Group AG and UBS AG have offices installed in the two buildings for their Hongkong offices.

According to Judge Andrew Macrae, Hui and the Kwoks' trial is projected to last into October. Perry is expected to continue with his case presentation tomorrow.

Tags

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd, Thomas and Raymond Kwok, Kwok and Hui bribery case, Rafael Hui, Rafael Hui bribery case

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