TTPS fraud suspect faces arrest warrant and $700k forfeiture for court absences

A 47-year-old Chinese man is facing an arrest warrant and a forfeiture of HK$700,000 following his repeated failures to appear in court for fraud charges related to the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS).

The defendant Chen Bingzeng, who holds a two-way permit, has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud regarding his application to TTPS.

He allegedly conspired with a man surnamed Lau to dishonestly misrepresent his qualifications for the TTPS (Category B application), in an attempt to secure entry and stay permits for himself, his wife, and their daughter.

Chen was previously granted temporary permission to leave Hong Kong to care for his seriously ill mother on the mainland. However, he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing on January 12.

The court was mentioned at Sha Tin Magistrates' Court again this morning, but the defendant was once again absent after a court translator called his name inside and outside the courtroom.

His surety informed the court that all attempts to contact Chen via social media and WeChat since the last hearing had failed, adding that the defendant’s wife had also been unresponsive, resulting in a complete loss of contact with Chen.

The surety expressed disappointment, stating that his trust was built on Chen’s previous compliance with court appearances last year.

Acting Principal Magistrate Cheang Kei-hong ordered the revocation of the defendant's bail, issuance an arrest warrant, and the forfeiture of HK$500,000 in bail and a HK$200,000 surety.