InvestHK chief denies allegations of corruption over 'gift' of wine

The head of the government's investment promotion arm yesterday flatly denied allegations of corruption - arising from an alleged gift of a case of wine from an aide - and said he expected to be cleared of any wrongdoing by an inquiry now under way.

InvestHK director general Simon Galpin said the allegations - published in a Chinese-language newspaper yesterday - were 'completely unfounded' .

'Allegations of this nature, no matter how malicious, warrant thorough and fair investigation,' he said. 'An investigation is already under way and I am fully co-operating with the [civil service] bureau and hope that the investigation will be completed shortly. I trust I and my colleagues would be fully vindicated.'

The allegations were brought to the government's attention in a letter sent by 'a Hong Kong citizen' to the Civil Service Bureau, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Chief Executive's Office on Wednesday.

The allegations stem from a case of wine purportedly sent by Charles Ng Siong-kwong, an associate director general at InvestHK, to Galpin as a gift on April 2, five days before he was confirmed in his post.

According to the letter, Galpin, thinking the wine had been delivered by mistake, sent the case to the office receptionist, who discovered it contained a note from Ng to Galpin. The complainant said Galpin subsequently confirmed that the wine was a gift from Ng.