ICAC charges former SFC manager over 12 internal searches
SingTao · 7 SOURCES8 minutes ago2 MIN
Summary
The Independent Commission Against Corruption has formally charged a former manager at the Securities and Futures Commission over alleged dishonest access to the regulator’s internal information system, including confidential information concerning licensed persons and SFC investigations. The defendant, Tong Ka-lai, 39, is accused of making 12 searches involving 10 individuals and commercial entities between December 2020 and December 2024, and is scheduled to appear at Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on August 17.
Key Points
- Tong Ka-lai was a former manager in the SFC’s Enforcement Division and worked in the Corporate Misconduct Team handling fraud investigations involving listed companies.
- She has been charged with 12 counts of access to a computer with criminal or dishonest intent to gain for herself or another person under section 161(1)(c) of the Crimes Ordinance.
- The charges allege she illegally accessed the SFC’s internal information system from December 2020 to December 2024 for dishonest gain to herself or another person.
- ICAC investigators said she accessed records on 10 individuals and commercial entities on 12 occasions, and the material was unrelated to her duties or assigned cases.
- The ICAC and SFC earlier conducted a joint investigation in close cooperation, the SFC later dismissed her, and the ICAC said its related corruption probe is continuing.
Why It Matters
The case centres on alleged access to confidential regulatory and investigative records inside Hong Kong’s securities watchdog, an issue that goes directly to internal controls and staff handling of sensitive market information. With the corruption investigation still continuing, the court proceedings may be followed by further investigative or disciplinary developments.