An 81-year-old prominent Hong Kong jewelry magnate, Wu Chor-nam, has been found guilty of indecently assaulting a female assistant and was sentenced to two weeks in prison by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts. The conviction, delivered on November 19, 2025, stems from an incident last year where the businessman, often referred to as the “Gold King,” molested an employee in his Sheung Wan office. While the jail term was imposed, Wu was immediately granted bail pending an appeal, though he is currently prohibited from leaving Hong Kong.
The conviction follows a detailed legal review of the evidence, with the magistrate affirming the reliability of the victim, identified only as X. The court found X’s testimony to be candid and strong enough to withstand rigorous cross-examination by the defense. This verdict underscores the judiciary’s commitment to prioritizing victim accounts in sensitive cases, regardless of the defendant’s status.
Details of the Office Incident
The incident referenced in the charge occurred at noon on September 2, 2024, at a unit inside the Wing Tuck Commercial Centre on Wing Lok Street. X, a brand officer who joined Wu Leung Lee (Man-Yick) Limited in June 2024 and was soon promoted to executive assistant, testified that she was alone with Wu to discuss professional matters when the assault took place.
According to the prosecution’s case, the encounter began when Wu called the complainant over, allegedly gripping her waist and inquiring about her size. X testified that she lost her balance during the contact, causing her to fall forward and brace herself against the back of his chair. During this brief moment, Wu’s head made contact with her chest. As she tried to extricate herself and leave the office, Wu then reportedly used both hands to slap her on the buttocks.
Reputation and Sentencing Considerations
Wu’s defense counsel contended that the businessman had an extensive record of service to Hong Kong and the nation, arguing that a conviction would cause irreparable reputational damage. They urged the court to impose a fine rather than a custodial sentence.
However, the magistrate dismissed these pleas during sentencing. The court emphasized that an individual of Wu’s stature and public standing should have been keenly aware that such conduct was fundamentally unacceptable. Ultimately, the magistrate determined that only a custodial sentence of two weeks adequately reflected the seriousness of the offence, despite the defendant’s age and prominent career.
Implications for Workplace Conduct
This high-profile case serves as a stark reminder that status and professional achievements offer no immunity when crimes, particularly those involving abuse of power, are committed. For businesses across Hong Kong, the verdict highlights the critical need for robust workplace ethics and clear policies against harassment.
While the appeal process is pending, the conviction has already sent a powerful signal regarding accountability—that personal or business reputation cannot outweigh the gravity of indecent assault. Employers should revisit anti-harassment training and reporting mechanisms to ensure employees, especially those in vulnerable, junior positions, feel safe and supported in reporting misconduct. This case reaffirms that the courts will protect employees from inappropriate behavior, promoting healthier, more professional work environments.