The District Court has jailed two men, 61 and 42, to 45 months and 38 months for conspiracy to steal $6 million from a law firm.

In November 2004, the elder man introduced the younger one as a client on the pretext he had to deposit $6 million at the law firm as proof of funds to buy machinery from the Mainland.

The victim, 46, was persuaded to pay $6 million to the firm as stake-holding for buying three properties and six car parks in Hong Kong.

After the money was deposited, the younger man claimed it was his proof of fund and later asked for a refund as the machinery transactions were cancelled. The law firm then issued a cheque.

The pair were arrested on November 29 and September 15 last year. They were jointly charged with conspiracy to steal while the older man was additionally charged with failing to surrender to custody after jumping bail. Both pleaded guilty to the charges.