Kitchenware supplier charged by ICAC admits bribing Chinese restaurant manager with kickback over orders

A kitchenware supplier charged by the ICAC today (August 13) admitted at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts that she had bribed a purchasing manager of a Chinese restaurant to secure kitchenware orders, with the bribe amounting to 15 per cent of the order value.

Lai Yahao, 56, proprietor of Chuk Chin Stainless Steel Equipment Company Limited (Chuk Chin), pleaded guilty to one count of offering an advantage to an agent, contrary to section 9(2)(b) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.

Acting Principal Magistrate Mr Li Chi-ho adjourned the case to November 12 for mention, pending the defendant’s assistance to be offered to the prosecution. The defendant was granted bail.

The court heard that in December 2022, Fook Lam Moon Group (Fook Lam Moon), a Chinese restaurant operator, planned to open a branch in Kowloon Bay. Consequently, its purchasing manager placed various kitchenware orders with Chuk Chin.

The defendant admitted that on December 25, 2022, she had offered a kickback to the purchasing manager in relation to three of the kitchenware orders with a total value exceeding $79,000. The kickback was calculated at 15 per cent of the order value, amounting to approximately $12,000.

Fook Lam Moon had rendered assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.

The prosecution was today represented by ICAC officer Rosita Lee.