A mainlander used by a money-laundering gang to open bank accounts through which they could funnel illicit funds was jailed yesterday for three years and four months.
Lo Po-sang, 52, pleaded guilty in the District Court to six counts of fraud, one of using a forged identity card, one of possessing a forged identity card and one of attempted theft.
Prosecutor Irene Poon said Lo, who came to Hong Kong on a two-way visitor's permit, opened six accounts at various banks with three forged identity cards carrying his photo between January and April this year.
Lo also tried to cash a forged $346,000 cheque at the Causeway Bay branch of the Liu Chong Hing Bank on February 18. He was handed the money but while he counted it, bank staff checked his signature and became suspicious. When they asked for the cash back, Lo complied and left. He was later arrested.
Lo told police he was given the forged documents and cheques by a man named Ah Keung, who offered him the job for pay of $100 a day.
Deputy Judge Colin Mackintosh said a 'firm stand' must be taken against those who take part in professional syndicates.
