Oscar Ka-To-Lai

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

The respondent, admitted in 1975 and also qualified in Hong Kong, was convicted in the High Court of Hong Kong of offering an advantage to a public servant (bribery) and sentenced, after appeal, to five years imprisonment. The offence involved bribing a government prosecutor to obtain information to assist a client's defence. The Tribunal found the allegation of conduct unbefitting a solicitor substantiated, treating it as a serious offence involving dishonesty, and struck him off the Roll, ordering costs of £1,500. The matter proceeded in his absence following advertised service in Hong Kong.

Duties found breached:

• No improper solicitation or touting

Aggravating factors:

• Offence involved offering a bribe to a government official (Principal Crown Counsel/Deputy Director of Prosecutions) to obtain information
• Part of a very substantial scandal in Hong Kong
• Offence threatened the entire fabric and system of justice
• Sentenced to five years imprisonment