Police investigate man linked to Hong Kong college’s alleged fast-tracking of degrees
The former student got his PhD 10 months earlier than scheduled and was charged with fraud
A former student arrested on Thursday for conspiracy to defraud as part of an investigation into a private institution accused of forgery and fast-tracking degrees was released on bail early today pending further investigation, police said.
The 50-year-old Hong Kong man was required to report back to police in February, according to a police spokesman.
It was understood that the former Lifelong College student completed a PhD 10 months earlier than scheduled.
It was further understood there was a discrepancy between the date found on his application form and the dates on his transcript.
The man had also obtained a degree from Polytechnic University and another degree from a British university.
It was understood he was a former employee at Hong Kong Productivity Council. At present, he was said to be the owner of a training consultancy company.
Carrying a search warrant, officers from the Commercial Crime Bureau raided the college’s Yau Ma Tei office on Nathan Road as well as the suspect’s home in Aberdeen yesterday.
At the college, officers seized several computers and some documents for investigation.
It was understood the man was not in the city at the time of the raid.
After returning to town last night, he was picked up by police in Wan Chai.
Police launched their investigation after receiving a referral from the Education Department earlier this month.