Hong Kong’s ‘king of judicial reviews’ arrested for alleged government welfare fraud
- Retired civil servant Kwok Cheuk-kin suspected of providing false information to obtain government subsidies and social welfare
Hong Kong retired civil servant Kwok Cheuk-kin, a serial litigant known as the “king of judicial reviews” for his challenges against public policies, has been arrested on suspicion of fraudulently obtaining government subsidies and social welfare.
The force’s Kowloon East regional headquarters arrested Kwok, 85, on Cheung Chau island on Thursday after thorough investigations. Officers confiscated evidence including a mobile phone and documents such as a bank savings book, among other items.
He was suspected of securing government subsidies and social welfare by making false statements and providing false information to conceal his personal income and assets.
Kwok had sought public assistance in areas such as public rental housing, old age allowance, comprehensive social security assistance and legal aid from 2013 to 2022.
He was granted bail pending further investigation and required to report to police later this month.
In Hong Kong, conspiracy to defraud is punishable by up to 14 years in jail under the Theft Ordinance.
