Patrick Ho

Hong Kong ophthalmologist and politician

Patrick Ho

Patrick Ho Chi-ping (born 24 July 1949) is a Hong Kong ophthalmologist, former politician, and convicted felon. He served as the Secretary for Home Affairs in the Hong Kong government from 2002 to 2007. Ho was later involved in a high-profile international bribery case, which led to his conviction in the United States.

Early life and education

Patrick Ho was born in Hong Kong in 1949. He pursued his early education in Hong Kong before moving to the United States for higher studies. Ho attended Harvard University, where he completed his undergraduate studies. He then went on to study medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), earning his medical degree.

Medical career

After completing his medical education, Ho specialized in ophthalmology. He became a respected figure in the field, contributing to various research projects and publications. Ho's work in ophthalmology was well-regarded, and he held several academic positions, including a professorship at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Political career

In 2002, Patrick Ho was appointed as the Secretary for Home Affairs in the Hong Kong government. During his tenure, he was responsible for overseeing cultural, sports, and community affairs. Ho played a significant role in promoting cultural exchanges and enhancing community development in Hong Kong.

Tenure as Secretary for Home Affairs

As Secretary for Home Affairs, Ho was involved in various initiatives aimed at fostering social cohesion and cultural development. He advocated for the preservation of Hong Kong's cultural heritage and supported the development of local arts and sports.

Involvement in bribery case

In 2017, Patrick Ho was arrested in the United States on charges of international bribery and money laundering. The charges were related to his role in a scheme to bribe African officials on behalf of a Chinese energy conglomerate. Ho was accused of offering millions of dollars in bribes to secure business advantages for the company.

Trial and conviction

Ho's trial took place in the Southern District of New York, where he was found guilty on several counts of bribery and money laundering. In 2019, he was sentenced to three years in prison. The case drew significant media attention and highlighted issues of corruption and international business practices.

Later life

After serving his sentence, Patrick Ho returned to Hong Kong. His involvement in the bribery case has overshadowed his earlier contributions to medicine and politics. Ho's case remains a notable example of the challenges faced in combating international corruption.

Related pages

• Ophthalmology
• Hong Kong government
• Bribery
• International law