Hong Kong Police Inspector Sentenced to 2½ Years for Accepting HK$1.1 Million

Tsuen Wan Court, now handling District Court cases, sentenced Ho Siu-tung on Tuesday to 2½ years in prison on two counts each of accepting advantages as a public servant and misconduct in public office. 1 million (US$140,400) in cash and gifts from businessman Qu Haipeng.

In return, Ho ended a criminal investigation against Qu and disclosed details of two other cases. The dealings took place between August 2021 and January 2023. Ho had been marked for promotion to superintendent before the offenses began.

Ho's monthly police salary was HK$100,000.

The court was told he sought additional funds to maintain a lifestyle beyond his income. In a mitigation letter, Ho stated he had become Qu's "private servant" after failing to resist the temptation of quick cash and benefits. He also noted his mother died shortly before his conviction and his wife had initiated divorce proceedings after his arrest.

Deputy District Judge Terence Wai Hon-hei recorded that Ho's supervisor described the defendant as having made exceptional contributions to law and order through "extraordinary" and "innovative" ideas on crime detection and prevention.