Patrick Ho Whacked: Former Hong Kong Secretary Convicted in U.S. For Bribery
The Saga Unfolds
In a jaw‑dropping twist, Patrick Ho Chi Ping—once Hong Kong’s Home Affairs Secretary—got caught in a multi‑million‑dollar bribery whirlpool that spilled onto the U.S. court scene on December 5. The drama unfolded over corrupt dealings with top officials in Uganda and Chad on behalf of CEFC China Energy, a Shanghai‑based energy juggernaut.
What the Jury Found
- Seven out of eight FCPA charges carried the hammer—meaning bribery under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
- One charge for money laundering also snagged a spot in the conviction tally.
- Business deals were allegedly brokered right inside the United Nations—talk about a diplomatic loophole!
Bribe Breakdown
- Ho and his accomplice, former Senegalese diplomat Cheikh Gadio, allegedly handed $2 million over to Chad’s president to secure invaluable oil rights.
- They also slotted a $500,000 bribe into an account tied to Uganda’s foreign affairs minister, who had just wrapped up his stint as UN General Assembly president.
Ho’s involvement went beyond money—he allegedly gifted Uganda’s leadership with “future benefits” such as a slice of potential joint‑venture profits, all tied to the ambitious China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC) rallying behind the company.
What’s Next? The Legal Cliff
Each FCPA violation could land Ho up to five years behind bars, while the money‑laundering charge could bring a harsher hit of up to 10 years. On top of imprisonment, hefty fines loom over each offense.
Ho, who served as Home Affairs Secretary from 2002 to 2007, pleaded not guilty. The final sentence is scheduled for March 15, and the stakes are high.
Cheikh Gadio’s Dismissed Case
Fortunately, the case against Gadio was dismissed on September 14—so the spotlight remains firmly on Ho’s courtroom showdown.
