Former SFC manager charged with dishonest use of computer

A former manager of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has been charged by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) for the dishonest use of computers. Tong Ka Lee, 39, was a manager in the SFC's Enforcement Department, specifically within the Corporate Misconduct Unit, where she was responsible for investigating fraud involving listed companies.

Tong is accused of 12 counts of dishonest use of a computer with the intent to gain dishonestly for herself or others. Investigations revealed that between December 2020 and December 2024, she accessed the SFC's internal information systems on 12 separate occasions to view confidential data regarding 10 individuals and business entities. These inquiries were reportedly unrelated to her official duties or the specific cases she was assigned to investigate.

The SFC has since dismissed the defendant. Following her appearance at the Eastern District Magistrates' Courts, Tong was granted bail of HK$50,000 under conditions including not leaving Hong Kong and reporting to the police regularly. The case has been adjourned until September 28 to allow the prosecution to seek legal advice.