A scam to steal $2.89 million from a Hang Seng Bank customer cost an unemployed man 32 months in jail yesterday.
Chung Yuk-yan, 47, pleaded guilty to one count of theft and one of using a false instrument before Deputy District Court Judge Colin Mackintosh.
The scam involved producing a forged mainland identity card and a fake two-way permit of victim Guo Zhirong to deceive bank staff into transferring $2.89 million to Chung's personal account, which could then be withdrawn.
Judge Mackintosh described the offence as involving 'substantial and careful planning' and Chung as 'an active player' in the scam.
According to defence lawyer Henry Lok Hing-sun, Chung was to have received $5,000 if the withdrawal could be completed, but he did not receive any remuneration. 'He committed the offence just out of greed for quick money,' he said.
The court heard that Chung and another unidentified male, who has not been caught, visited a Hang Seng Bank branch in Tsuen Wan on December 9 last year and handed a teller a PRC identity card and a two-way permit, both of which carried Chung's photo but had the name of Guo Zhirong.
