Pro-Beijing activist Leticia Lee has been charged by the anti-graft agency with engaging in corrupt conduct during an election, after she allegedly failed to dispose of certain donations in accordance with electoral law.
Lee, who often appears at pro-government protests, ran in the 2016 Legislative Council election in the New Territories East constituency. She gained 2,938 votes but lost the race.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) said that, on July 24, 2016, Lee declared her intention to stand as a candidate in the election. The following day, she submitted her nomination form to the Registration and Electoral Office. However, between July 24 and November 8, 2016, the corruption watchdog alleged that she engaged in corrupt conduct by failing to comply with the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance.
Lee, 54, stands accused of receiving nine election donations totalling HK$22,530 – each exceeding HK$1,000 – from donors whose names or addresses she did not know. She allegedly failed to ensure that such donations were handed to a charitable institution or trust, rather than used for personal election expenses.
The ICAC said the Registration and Electoral Office has rendered its full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation.
Lee was released on bail. She will appear at the Shatin Magistracy on Friday to enter a plea.
