Chinese businessman Chee Chung has incurred a $6.4 million penalty for illegally profiting from the sale of ‘bleaching’ or skin lightening creams and other products.

In a confirmatory statement on Monday (April 17), the Financial Investigations Division (FID) indicated that the fine is equivalent to the proceeds Chung had accumulated from the illegal sales. A Supreme Court-issued pecuniary penalty order (OOP) was granted by Justice G. Fraser pursuant to Section 5 (3) (b) of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

Chung, a wholesaler and resident of St Andrew, was represented by King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie.

“The genesis and passage of this case through the Court should be a reminder to the public and business operators of the strength of POCA. If you benefit from breaking the law, the FID will utilise POCA to remove that benefit. Our law enforcement colleagues are becoming increasingly vigilant in looking beyond predicate offences to identify where a benefit has been derived from the criminal activities for which persons have been charged or convicted,” indicated Principal Director of Investigations at the FID Keith Darien.

“Continued collaboration across law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies will result in more cases such as these being prosecuted in the courts. We urge business owners, employees, and the public to increase their awareness of POCA while generally ensuring adherence to the laws which govern our conduct as citizens,” he added.