Sha Tin Magistrates’ Court approved the withdrawal of charges against two of three defendants on 10 November 2026, and amended the remaining defendant’s charge to conspiracy to defraud.
The original charge alleged that all three men induced an applicant to make false statements in a Top Talent Pass Scheme application in 2024, including claims that he had a qualifying university degree and at least three years’ work experience in the preceding five years.
The amended charge alleges that, between 8 September 2023 and 26 April 2024, the remaining defendant conspired with the applicant and another person to defraud the Immigration Department’s head and staff. It says the applicant falsely claimed to have graduated from the University of Technology Sydney and to have worked for a construction company from September 2020, to secure approval to enter and stay in Hong Kong.
The prosecution sought an adjournment for further Immigration Department investigation. The magistrate asked what further investigation was needed and whether the case could be scheduled for trial. The prosecution said further investigation was required after seeking legal advice. The court also approved costs applications by the two defendants whose charges were withdrawn. The remaining defendant’s case was adjourned to 10 December 2026.