A trial has begun at Hong Kong's District Court involving a registered male doctor accused of improperly issuing COVID-19 vaccination medical exemption certificates, commonly known as "exemption papers," between June and September 2022. Dr. Tai Kong Shing faces additional charges, including 13 alternative counts of dishonest access to a computer and three money-laundering counts
In its opening statement, the prosecution alleged that Tai issued 3,751 exemption certificates, mostly citing reasons such as allergy to vaccine components and uncontrolled chronic illnesses. Prosecutors said an undercover police operation showed certificates were issued even when required information or attendance was lacking, including a case in which an officer obtained an exemption certificate for her son who was not present and whose condition was not raised during the consultation.
The prosecution said that on September 20, 2022, three police officers visited the clinic in disguise. The first two officers were issued exemption certificates, and Tai was arrested when the third officer sought treatment.
Several prosecution witnesses—described as nurses or clerks who worked at the clinic during the relevant period—are expected to testify.
The prosecution said it will call nine witnesses who received exemption certificates, with consultation reasons including post-surgery gastrointestinal issues, skin and airway allergies, and rapid heartbeat. The prosecution alleged that they were issued the same 180-day exemption and that fees ranged from HK$1,000 to HK$4,000.
An expert witness, Dr. Li Yim-chu, reviewed consultation notes and concluded that Tai did not have sufficient medical grounds to issue the exemption certificates.
The prosecution also said police seized cash during the investigation, including HK$56,000 found in Tai's trouser pocket at arrest, HK$702,000 from the consultation room, and about HK$1.11 million from his residence the next day. It further alleged that bank deposits rose sharply during the period, with Tai's two personal accounts receiving 100 deposits totalling HK$6.93 million, and a company account receiving 26 deposits totalling HK$2.16 million, representing an average monthly increase of more than tenfold compared with before the alleged offences.
The case continues.
(Source: Wen Wei Po)
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