Two charges dropped in Top Talent visa case
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 7 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Three men previously faced a joint charge of inciting another person to make false statements to obtain an entry permit under Hong Kong’s Top Talent Pass Scheme, in a case heard again at Sha Tin Magistrates’ Courts on November 10. Prosecutors applied to withdraw the charge against two of the defendants, while the remaining defendant, Wong Leung (王亮), was instead charged with conspiracy to defraud, and the court approved both applications. The prosecution said the case against Wong should be adjourned to December 10 pending further action or investigation by the Immigration Department, while the defence indicated he intended to plead not guilty. Wong was allowed to remain on bail under existing conditions, and the two discharged defendants were granted legal costs.
Key Points
- The three defendants were identified as 41-year-old Wong Leung, 49-year-old Ma Siu-wan and 56-year-old Yeung Koon-wing, all Hong Kong identity card holders.
- All three had originally faced one count of inciting, aiding or procuring false statements for obtaining an entry permit under the Top Talent Pass Scheme.
- On November 10, prosecutors withdrew the charge against Ma Siu-wan and Yeung Koon-wing, and the magistrate approved both withdrawals and their costs applications.
- Wong Leung now faces conspiracy to defraud, alleging a scheme between September 8, 2023 and April 26, 2024 involving Poon Chit and a person named “Ma Siu-wan”.
- The new allegation says false claims were made that Poon graduated from the University of Technology Sydney and had worked for Jilin Kaixuan Construction Co. since September 2020.
Why It Matters
The case centres on alleged false academic and employment claims in an application under a major Hong Kong talent-admission scheme, putting scrutiny on how supporting information is checked. For Hong Kong readers, the proceedings also show that prosecutors may narrow or recast charges as Immigration Department inquiries continue, rather than proceed on the original allegations alone.