HKUST bribery case: friend sentenced to 20 weeks’ imprisonment
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Priscilla Lam Pui-ling pleaded guilty in Hong Kong to conspiring for a public servant to accept an advantage in connection with a student’s admission to an HKUST master’s programme. She was sentenced to 20 weeks’ imprisonment and ordered to pay about HK$68,000 in restitution to HKUST.
Liu Hongbin, then an HKUST Chair Professor, earlier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to accept an advantage and two counts of offering an advantage to a public servant. He was sentenced to 20 weeks’ imprisonment and ordered to pay HK$40,000 in restitution; the ICAC said he had offered red packets to colleagues to assist the student’s admission.
The case highlights bribery and gift risks in education admissions, particularly where decision-makers can influence eligibility or selection. Controls should address undisclosed approaches, cash or gifts, and independent review of admissions decisions.