Eight people have been charged for conspiring to defraud the Student Financial Assistance Agency of $147,000 in aid for continuing education.

The defendants are cleaner Chan Tai-nam, 57; transport worker Chan Kam-moon, 48; driver Au Kin-cheung, 44; security guard Cheung Wai-shing, 43; telesales executive Kong Wai-ho, 22; plus Apple Chan, 29, Lo Suet-ying, 22, and Choy Lai-ying, 40, all unemployed. They will face 10 charges in four separate cases at Eastern Magistracy on November 18.

In the first case, Chan Tai-nam, Chan Tak-lam and Lo Suet-ying face three charges of conspiracy to defraud. One charge alleges Chan Tai-nam and Chan Tak-lam conspired with others to defraud the agency. They allegedly dishonestly submitted an application in the name of Chan Tai-nam for a loan, supplying false employment information and proof concerning Chan Tak-lam who was named as an indemnifier in support of the application.

They are also alleged to have submitted an application in the name of Chan Tai-nam for a subsidy from the Continuing Education Fund. It is alleged they falsely represented that Chan Tai-nam genuinely intended to attend a practical financial planning course, and had satisfactorily completed it. Chan Tai-lam and Lo Suet-ying each face a similar offence of conspiracy to defraud.

In the second case, Chan Kam-moon has been charged with three similar offences of conspiracy to defraud, while Au Kin-cheung faces a similar offence.

In the third case, Choy Lai-ying and Cheung Wai-shing face a joint charge of conspiracy to defraud. Choy further faces a similar offence.

In the last case, Kong Wai-ho faces a count of forgery by making a false certificate of employment, with intent to use it.

The alleged offences occurred from May to November last year.