Why Were Two Members Convicted of False MPF Withdrawal Claims?

What Happened?

Two MPF scheme members, Chan Ka-hing and Yau Chun-wing, applied to trustees in April and March 2010 respectively for early MPF withdrawal on the ground of permanent departure. MPFA investigation found both had falsely declared they had never before claimed accrued benefits on that ground.

What Was the Sentence?

Both were convicted at Kwun Tong Magistracy on January 3 of breaching section 43E(1) of the MPF Ordinance, fined $6,000 each — $12,000 in total.

What Other Arrears Did the MPFA Recover?

The MPFA also sued seven employers in the Small Claims Tribunal for about $118,000 in MPF arrears owed to 107 employees. Two defendants who appeared accepted the claims and were ordered to pay $17,502.66 and $1,286.26; the five absent defendants also lost by default.