A former bank senior credit manager, wanted by the ICAC, voluntarily returned from Canada to Hong Kong this afternoon to face bribery charges in relation to a $460 million Letters of Credit scam.

Lam Tze-leung, 51, formerly of the Hang Seng Bank, was arrested by Canadian police in Toronto on June 4, on the ICAC's behalf.

Lam is alleged to have accepted bribes over the granting of credit facilities to two companies whilst employed at the bank.

He left Hong Kong in August 1998, shortly before the ICAC investigation started. A Hong Kong judge then issued an arrest warrant.

On behalf of the ICAC, the Mutual Legal Assistance Unit of the Department of Justice made a request to Canadian authorities for Lam's arrest.

After his apprehension, Lam waived extradition proceedings and consented to return to Hong Kong to face prosecution.

Lam will be charged with seven counts of accepting an advantage as an agent, contrary to Sections 9(1)(a) and 9(1)(b) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, and four of conspiracy to defraud.

He will be brought to Eastern Magistracy at 9.30am tomorrow for mention.

The charges allege that while employed by the bank, Lam accepted two Rolex watches and bribe payments, totalling HK$200,000 and C$10,000 (about HK$56,000).

The alleged bribery and conspiracy offences took place between May 13, 1994 and April 30, 1998.