Advertisement
Hong Kong singer Tommy Yuen admits breaching sedition law, laundering HK$718,788 raised by fake charity appeal
- Former member of now-defunct Cantopop group E-kids pleads guilty to publishing derogatory comments aimed at officials, handling proceeds from fake charity bid
- Judge says ‘defendant has bitten hand that fed him’ after hearing Yuen concocted story of teen protester on trial to rake in cash from sympathisers
Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
A Hong Kong singer has admitted to breaching a colonial-era sedition law by insulting police and officials on social media, as well as laundering more than HK$700,000 (US$89,580) he raised using false pretences.
Tommy Yuen Man-on, a former member of the now-defunct Cantopop boy band E-kids, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to acting with seditious intent and money laundering before a judge approved by city leader John Lee Ka-chiu to hear the case.
The District Court heard the 43-year-old artist had published a series of derogatory comments about a police inspector who died in the line of duty, a magistrate’s health problems and former chief executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.
Advertisement
He also handled illegal proceeds totalling HK$718,788 after he falsely claimed the money would be used to help a 19-year-old woman contesting a riot charge arising from her involvement in the 2019 anti-government protests, the prosecution said.
Judge Ernest Michael Lin Kam-hung criticised Yuen for his ingratitude towards society as he challenged the defence’s contention that the singer had given back to the community through his philanthropic works.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x