HKTDC duo charged over concealed relationship in recruitment case granted bail until May hearing

A former human resources manager and her younger sister have been granted bail until their next court appearance in May, following charges that they conspired to hide their family relationship to secure a position at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

Liu Yi-ying, aged 41, then human resources manager of the HKTDC, faces two counts of agent using document with intent to deceive his principal; whereas her younger sister Liu Yi-lam, aged 32, then corporate events and customer service assistant manager of the HKTDC, faces one count of agent using document with intent to deceive his principal.

No plea has been made.

Magistrate Cheung Chi-wai decided to adjourn the proceedings until May 7 to allow the defense team time to review the prosecution’s evidence and finalize legal advice.

The two were allowed bail of HK$5,000.

It is alleged that on November 29, 2023, Liu Yi-ying intended to mislead the HKTDC by submitting an interview assessment form that contained statements that were false, declaring that she did not know the candidate Liu Yi-lam.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption found that Liu Yi-ying not only declared that she did not know her younger sister Liu Yi-lam but also rated her sister as a suitable candidate in the interview assessment form.

Liu Yi-lam subsequently joined the HKTDC in January 2024.

Two other charges allege that in March and February 2024, both women were required to submit declarations regarding outside interests and internal connections.

Authorities claim that both sisters filed documents containing false statements, once again asserting that they did not have any family members or relatives employed by the HKTDC.