2010 TVB corruption scandal

Last updated

The TVB corruption scandal is a corruption probe involving the general manager of the Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) Stephen Chan and two other TVB staff who were arrested by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Operation: Valiant. [1] Aside from Chan, involved was TVB head of business development Wilson Chan Wing-suen, TVB variety department executive Wilson Chin Kwok-wai, actor Ning Jin and Edthancy Tseng Pei-kun, head of an advertising company. [2] TVB confirmed that three of their employees were involved, and that their duties and work had been suspended pending further development. [3]

Contents

Background

Chan was said to control a shell company through his personal assistant to which he was alleged to have awarded production contracts from TVB. The shell company had no production facilities of its own but outsourced the work to other production houses at a much lower rate than it receives from TVB, pocketing the difference the shell company having accumulated as much as HK$10 million over the years. This outsourcing is itself thought to be unnecessary since TVB has the resources in house to handle these productions. [2] One of the arrested is the manager of artist's contracts at TVB and using this position many actors and actresses had been asked to perform in major shows and other functions, and even ribbon cutting ceremonies for free or at very low pay in return for possible future favour. These artists included Bernice Liu, Moses Chan, Raymond Lam, Bosco Wong, Tavia Yeung and Charmaine Sheh. [2]

Prior to the arrest, in late February 2010, speculation existed that TVB deputy chairman Mona Fong had dropped Stephen Chan from her inner circle after he failed to accompany her to a variety show. [4] Chan was also blamed over a copyright issue with the Hong Kong Recording Industry Alliance, and has not been popular with the staff after he laid off hundreds of employees in 2009. Many other artists however have expressed regrets in the situation. [4]

Arrests and release on bail

Chan and the four other were arrested on 11 March 2010 and were released on bail without being charged, the next day. [3] On 18 March 2010, Chan made a public appearance for the first time since his arrest. [5] Chan said that the mask he wore while returning home was because of a shaving wound refuting media reports that it was related to his arrest. Chan also thanks those who sent text messages of support. [5]

I am living well at this moment though there must be some changes to my life. Everyone must experience some ups and downs in their life. If one day you come across any puzzling situation, don't panic ... because the truth must stand while the lies must fall....
I knew the media were waiting outside, so I tried to tidy up myself. But I accidentally cut my cheek while shaving. To avoid the public misunderstanding that the wound was related to the ICAC, I decided to wear a mask....
I was concerned with the personal safety of my media friends and the public. If I held an impromptu briefing, it would create chaos and bring inconvenience to passersby.
So, I decided to [hold this press briefing] in a prearranged setting and orderly manner to satisfy the media friends who then will no longer need to wait outside my home. [5]

Chan was cleared of charges relating to some activities at TVB in November 2010, but three other incidents relating to bribery and conspiracy to defraud are still being investigated. Chan resumed his TVB duties on 16 November, but his duties will not involve artist management and casting arrangement. [6]

Acquittal

Following a trial Chan and his co-accused were acquitted of all charges in the September 2011. The prosecution could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Chan knew the details of a payment of HK$300,000 withheld from TVB and five actresses. The court also found that Chan was paid to be an administrator at TVB, and any remuneration he received from the Olympic City shopping mall was as a performer and this did not conflict with his role at TVB. [7] [8] [9]

Following Chan's acquittal a number of artists identified with the Chan faction at TVB have failed to have their contracts renewed.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Donald Tsang</span> Hong Kong politician (born 1944)

Sir Donald Tsang Yam-kuen is a former Hong Kong civil servant who served as the second Chief Executive of Hong Kong from 2005 to 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TVB</span> Television station in Hong Kong

Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) is a television broadcasting company based in Hong Kong SAR. The Company operates five free-to-air terrestrial television channels in Hong Kong, with TVB Jade as its main Cantonese language service, and TVB Pearl as its main English service. TVB is headquartered at TVB City at the Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asia Television</span> Online media company in Hong Kong

Asia Television Limited is a digital media and broadcasting company in Hong Kong. Established as the first television service in Hong Kong as Rediffusion Television on 29 May 1957, it shifted to terrestrial television on 30 November 1973, and was renamed Asia Television on 24 September 1982. ATV operated two main over-the-air channels: the Cantonese-language ATV Home and the English-language ATV World.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Independent Commission Against Corruption (Hong Kong)</span> Anti-corruption agency in Hong Kong

The Independent Commission Against Corruption is the statutory independent anti-corruption body of Hong Kong with the primary objective of combating corruption in both the public and private sectors. Established in 1974 and operating independently from the Hong Kong government and law enforcement agencies, the ICAC is headed by the Commissioner, who reports directly to the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. The ICAC has played a crucial role in maintaining Hong Kong's reputation as one of the least corrupt places globally and fostering a culture of integrity within the city.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moses Chan</span> Musical artist

Moses Chan Ho is an actor from Hong Kong.

<i>The Tigers</i> (film) 1991 Hong Kong film

The Tigers is a 1991 Hong Kong action thriller film directed by Eric Tsang, and starring Andy Lau, Tony Leung, Felix Wong, Michael Miu and Kent Tong, who were the Five Tiger Generals of TVB in the 1980s. It is a film adaptation of the 1984 TVB serial, Rise and Fall of a Stand-In which featured the film's stars Miu and Tong.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephen Chan Chi-wan</span> Musical artist

Stephen Chan Chi-wan is the Chief Advisor of Commercial Radio Hong Kong and a YouTube pundit. Chan was previously the chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Hong Kong and general manager of Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB). On 9 December 2011 Chan announced his resignation as GM effective April 2013.

Ao Man Long was the first Secretary for Transport and Public Works of the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, from 20 December 1999 to 6 December 2006.

<i>ICAC Investigators 2009</i> Hong Kong TV series or program

ICAC Investigators 2009 is the 2009 installment of the ICAC Investigator series, produced by Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and TVB. It is broadcast on TVB Jade channel. Each criminal case is based on actual cases investigated by the ICAC.

The 2010 TVB monopoly case is a case surrounding Hong Kong television station Television Broadcasts Limited being a monopoly station.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Convoy Global Holdings</span>

Convoy Global Holdings Limited is a member of Convoy Financial Group. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Convoy Financial Services Limited which provides financial planning services, risk management, retirement planning and estate planning. It is the largest independent insurance and MPF schemes brokerage firm in Hong Kong in terms of number of consultants. Convoy Financial Services Limited is both a member of Professional Insurance Brokers Association and is registered as an Mandatory Provident Fund Corporate Intermediary under the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority.

<i>ICAC Investigators 2014</i> Hong Kong TV series or program

ICAC Investigators 2014 is the 2014 edition of the ICAC Investigator series, produced by Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and broadcast on TVB. Each criminal case is based on actual cases investigated by the ICAC.

<i>ICAC Investigators 2004</i> 2004 installment of the ICAC Investigator series, produced by Hong Kong (ICAC) and RTHK

ICAC Investigators 2004 is the 2004 installment of the ICAC Investigator series, produced by Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and TVB. It is broadcast on TVB Jade channel. Each criminal case is based on actual cases investigated by the ICAC.

<i>Line Walker</i> Hong Kong TV series

Line Walker is a 2014 Hong Kong crime thriller drama produced by TVB, starring Michael Miu, Charmaine Sheh and Raymond Lam as the main leads, with Sharon Chan, Benz Hui, Elena Kong, Sammy Sum, Oscar Leung and Toby Leung in major supporting roles. It is the first entry in the franchise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lew Mon-hung</span>

Lew Mon-hung, nicknamed "Dream Bear" based on his Chinese name, is a pro-Beijing Hong Kong businessman, formerly deputy chairman and executive director of Pearl Oriental Oil Limited. Lew was a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference from 2008 to 2013 and was outspoken as a high-profile supporter of Leung Chun-ying during the 2012 Hong Kong Chief Executive election. The relationship between the two soured after the election and he turned against Leung. In 2016, he was found guilty and imprisoned after being found guilty of perverting the course of justice by asking Leung, in letters and emails, to stop the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) from investigating him.

Ronald Li Fook-shiu was the founder and former chairman of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and died of cancer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leung Chun-ying–UGL agreement</span>

In October 2014, it was reported that Leung Chun-ying, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, had signed an agreement in 2011 with UGL Limited, an Australian engineering firm, in relation to its takeover of DTZ Holdings, a UK-listed real estate services company in which Leung was the director of the company. In agreement, UGL undertook to pay Leung £4 million in two instalments in 2012 and 2013 respectively, subject to specific conditions. As these payments concurred with the term of office of Leung Chun-ying as Chief Executive between 2012 and 2017, it has aroused concerns of the public in respect of the nature of payment, potential conflict of interests, relevant systems of declaration of interests and taxation implications.

<i>Integrity</i> (film) 2019 Hong Kong crime film

Integrity is a 2019 Hong Kong crime film written and directed by Alan Mak and starring Sean Lau, Nick Cheung and Karena Lam. The film revolves around an ICAC case involving the selling of smuggled cigarettes and is the first installment of a planned trilogy. Production for Integrity began in April 2018 and was released on 5 February 2019, the first day of the Chinese New Year holiday period.

Poon Siu-tung, also known as Tony Poon is a Hong Kong judge. He has served as a Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court since January 2019.

<i>Once Upon a Time in Hong Kong</i> (2021 film) 2021 Hong Kong film

Once Upon a Time in Hong Kong, previously known as Money Empire and I Corrupt All Cops 2 is a 2021 Hong Kong action crime film directed by Wong Jing and Woody Hui, and starring Louis Koo, Tony Leung, Francis Ng and Gordon Lam. The film is a thematic sequel to the 2009 film I Corrupt All Cops, featuring a new storyline. Koo and Lam play ICAC investigators who battle against notorious drug lord Crippled Ho (Leung) and corrupt police detective Chui Lok (Ng). The film was released on 29 April 2021.

References

  1. ↑ "Five arrested for alleged corruption over entertainment show contracts". Independent Commission Against Corruption. 12 March 2010. Retrieved 20 March 2010.
  2. 1 2 3 The Standard HK. "The Standard.com Archived 15 March 2010 at the Wayback Machine ." Show graft. Retrieved 12 March 2010.
  3. 1 2 MAK, Adrian Yau Kee (11 March 2010). "Announcement" (PDF). Television Broadcasts Limited. Retrieved 12 March 2010.
  4. 1 2 The Standard HK. "The Standard.com Archived 29 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine ." Rumors rife over Chan for weeks. Retrieved 12 March 2010.
  5. 1 2 3 Moy, Patsy (19 March 2010). "TVB's Chan stays calm in storm". The Standard. Archived from the original on 23 March 2010. Retrieved 19 March 2010.
  6. ↑ O'Keeffe, Kate (16 November 2010). "TVB's Chan to Resume Manager Duties". The Wall Street Journal.
  7. ↑ "TVB boss cleared in corruption case". RTHK . 2 September 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  8. ↑ Roland Lim (2 September 2011). "TVB GM Stephen Chan acquitted of bribery, fraud charge". Channelnewsasia.com. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  9. ↑ Guo Jiaxue (3 September 2011). "Stephen Chan found not guilty of corruption charges" . Retrieved 7 May 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.