Closing arguments in NY trial of Hong Kong official
Posted Dec 4, 2018 10:58 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NEW YORK — A U.S. prosecutor says the evidence is “overwhelming” that a Hong Kong businessman paid millions of dollars in bribes to the leaders of two African countries to secure oil rights for a Chinese energy conglomerate.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Zolkind said in closing arguments Tuesday that Chi Ping Patrick Ho’s corrupt tactics were “classic, like something out of a movie.”
A key witness says Ho and his colleagues at CEFC China Energy paid a $2 million bribe to the president of Chad amid oil talks in 2014. He said cash was secreted in gift boxes, angering the president — but the money was later accepted by the country as a donation.
Ho’s attorneys insist the donation was legitimate. Ho also denies charges he bribed the Ugandan president and foreign minister.
The Associated Press
