The District Court has convicted Radio Television Hong Kong programme officer Chan King-chong of making false claims of scriptwriting and research fees.

District Court Judge Joseph Yau adjourned sentencing to July 31 and released Chan on $20,000 bail.

Between February 21, 2001, and January 30, 2002, Chan fraudulently prepared and submitted 10 claim forms totalling $41,300, purportedly showing his mother had provided scriptwriting services or research work for various programmes. But she never provided the said services to RTHK.

Between May 4 and 10, 2001, Chan conspired with a colleague to prepare and submit a claim form, falsely representing Chan's mother performed in a programme, to claim the $3,000 service fee.

Between October 2000 and February 2002 Chan conspired with another colleague to prepare and submit 16 claim forms, purportedly showing the latter's mother provided scriptwriting or research services for a programme, causing RTHK to pay a total of $49,600. As a result of Chan's fraudulent acts RTHK effected payments totalling $93,900.

RTHK's response

RTHK said it has taken measures to safeguard the proper use of public money. A unit has been formed to review and improve all procedures, with regular checks to ensure accuracy of all service records and payments and remove loopholes.

Central administrative units have been formed to centralise and administer the engagement and payment procedures for the service providers.

RTHK has also strengthened monitoring procedures and maintained regular contact with the Independent Commission Against Corruption for systems improvement.

Noting it will not allow any abuse of procedures and irregularities, RTHK said it will examine the court transcript and take action in suspected cases.