Then bank employee charged for alleged breach of POBO by disclosing ICAC probe into family member

A then bank employee was charged by the ICAC last Friday (January 30) for allegedly breaching the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO) by disclosing an ICAC investigation to a family member, having learned that he was a subject of an on-going ICAC investigation.

Lau Shui-ngo, 43, former customer services manager of Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited (Chiyu Bank), faces one count of disclosing the identity, etc. of a person being investigated, contrary to section 30(1)(a) of the POBO. She was released on ICAC bail, pending her appearance at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (February 3) for plea.

In late January 2025, the ICAC sent a letter to Chiyu Bank requesting information in respect of an account for an on-going investigation. In early February 2025, Chiyu Bank provided the ICAC letter to the Tokwawan Branch, as the account was opened thereat. At the material time, the defendant was the customer services manager of the Tokwawan Branch of Chiyu Bank. Among other duties, she was responsible for handling matters arising from requests of law enforcement agencies. The defendant was therefore authorised to peruse the letter. She then became aware that the account was opened by her family member. The letter carried a reminder that the request and the information contained in it were confidential and should be carefully protected as disclosure might amount to an offence under the POBO.

The charge alleges that between February and July 2025, the defendant, knowing or suspecting that an investigation in respect of an offence alleged or suspected to have been committed under the POBO was taking place, disclosed to the said family member that he was the subject of an ICAC investigation without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

Chiyu Bank rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.

Under section 30 of the POBO, any person who discloses details of investigation or the identity of the subject person without lawful authority or reasonable excuse shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a maximum penalty of one-year imprisonment and a fine of $25,000.