A man has appeared in court for his alleged involvement in a plot to murder a witness in the trial of an $8 billion cigarette smuggling case allegedly facilitated by corruption.

Cheng Wui-yiu, 40, was returned to Hong Kong from the Mainland via Lok Ma Chau boundary crossing yesterday, and charged by the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

In Eastern Magistracy today, Cheng faced one count of conspiracy to murder, and one of conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice.

No plea was taken. Magistrate Julia Livesey adjourned the case to September 4 for mention, and remanded the defendant in custody.

One of the charges alleges Cheng conspired, confederated and agreed with others to murder Tommy Chui in Singapore.

Cheng was also alleged to have conspired with others to pervert the course of public justice by preventing Chui from being a witness in the trial of Chong Tsoi-jun, Tin Sau-kwong and Yeung Kam-fai in Hong Kong.

The alleged offences took place between August 1, 1994 and April 1, 1995.