Suspended Hong Kong officer charged over mortgage fraud
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
A 32-year-old male police officer appeared at Sha Tin Magistrates’ Courts on August 25 for the first hearing of a case alleging he concealed that a Fanling flat had been rented out when applying for a mortgage in 2021. He faces two counts of fraud involving about HK$4.2 million in mortgage lending, and the case was adjourned to October 20 without plea while the defence seeks legal documents and advice.
Key Points
- The defendant, Lau Ching-hei, 32, reported his occupation as a civil servant and has been suspended from duty, according to the reports and police statement.
- Prosecutors allege that between July 1, 2021 and July 31, 2023, he falsely claimed to live in a flat at Royal Jubilee in Fanling.
- He is accused of concealing from Bank of China (Hong Kong) and The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Insurance Limited that the property had already been leased out.
- The alleged deception was said to have induced the two companies not to take action over an approved mortgage loan and mortgage insurance.
- The mortgage loan involved was about HK$4.2 million; bail was set at HK$2,000 cash with orders not to leave Hong Kong or contact prosecution witnesses.
Why It Matters
The case will return to court on October 20 under case number STCC3094/2026, making the next hearing the immediate point to watch. Police said they place great importance on officers’ integrity and will handle unlawful conduct seriously, underscoring the disciplinary consequences alongside the criminal proceedings.