Two members of the Hong Kong Jockey Club have been convicted of conspiracy to defraud in a scam that involved their endorsement for applicants seeking to join the city's high-society club. Snared by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) were 84-year-old Stanley Lawrence Freedman and renowned Yehu musician, To Wing.

Freedman, who became an honorary voting club member in 1983, was one of only 200 members of the exclusive racing club, who are able to nominate new members. The club's total membership is more than 23,000.

Freedman faced two counts of conspiracy to defraud, allegedly for providing the club with false information in favor of two applicants in 2009.

To, who is an ordinary member of the club, was also charged with conspiracy to defraud for allegedly providing false information to the club in making claim to having knowledge of new applicants.

According to the prosecution, To Wing also made two requests for lai see of an unspecified sum from one applicant by "implication", when To endorsed the application in February and March 2009. The applicant reportedly rejected To's overtures on both occasions.

While both Freedman and To were found guilty by the District Court of conspiracy to defraud, To was found not guilty of the charge of acting as an agent soliciting an advantage, by Judge Kevin Browne. The sentence will be handed down on Friday afternoon. Both men were released on bail.

Counsel for Freedman pleaded that the retired businessman had been diagnosed with cancer three times and is restricted to a liquid diet.

Medical reports presented before the trial by the defense showed Freedman to be gravely ill. His lawyer attempted, without success, to have Freedman spared from going through trial.

A government doctor advised that while Freedman was fit for trial, the court should make emergency medical assistance available during the trial and be prepared for the worst.

The two club members were arrested by the ICAC in 2011 along with others, including the coordinator of the scam, Lam Wai-chee. The clerk was tried and sentenced to two years' imprisonment last year for accepting bribes from membership applicants.

An applicant for Jockey Club membership must receive nominations and endorsement from two voting members and further support of three other ordinary members in order to qualify. Each voting member is allowed to nominate only one applicant a year.

The scam network was busted by ICAC undercover agents, disguised as wine traders seeking to obtain membership in one of the city's most exclusive clubs. One of the involved applicants had told the ICAC agents that a membership serves as a ticket to access many opportunities and conveniences of high society.

kahon@chinadailyhk.com

(HK Edition 01/04/2013 page1)