Ex-ICAC boss faces graft probe for allegedly dining out on public money
Former staffer submits written complaint about Timothy Tong's alleged misconduct to watchdog, with lawmakers set to follow
Former anti-graft chief Timothy Tong Hin-ming faces investigation by his former subordinates as new evidence suggests he used public money to treat officials from Beijing's liaison office.
The Democratic Party's Lam Cheuk-ting, who was an investigator for the Independent Commission Against Corruption when Tong was in charge, sent a written complaint to the ICAC yesterday about Tong's alleged misconduct and possible breaches of bribery laws. Pan-democrat lawmakers will submit complaints today.
Tong was said to have hosted receptions with liaison office officials at least 20 times during his five-year tenure using public funds, reported yesterday. On some occasions, his girlfriend Dr Helen Chan Wing-mui, a former assistant director of immigration, and a friend, tycoon Bill Wong Cho-bau, were invited, it was reported.
"As a former investigator, I have mixed feelings … Tong's own personal conduct is no reflection on the core values of other investigators," Lam said.
As a former investigator, I have mixed feelings … Tong's own personal conduct is no reflection on the core values of other investigators
Zhang Xiaoming , director of the liaison office, said it was "very normal" for Tong to have hosted receptions with his officials, but he did not elaborate.
Lam questioned if Tong had discussed investigations with the liaison office, which would breach Section 30 of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. And taking friends to official meals would constitute misconduct in public office. Lam also said Tong could have breached Section 9 if he made up false invoices to cover his friends' meals.
