In Hong Kong, former feng shui master Tony Chan was back in court on Friday. The 52-year-old is charged with forging the 2006 will, in which he claims the late tycoon, Nina Wang, offered him her estate. Last month, Chan lost his final bid to gain control of Mrs Wang's estate at the Court of Final Appeal. It was Chan's first court appearance since his no-show at the Court of Final Appeal last month.
Hong Kong's highest court had ruled in favour of the Chinachem Charitable Foundation, for control of Mrs Wang's US$6.4 billion estate. At the Eastern Magistracy Friday, Chan produced the 2006 will in support of his claim to Mrs Wang's fortune. The case has been adjourned until May next year for a preliminary hearing, which is expected to last three weeks.
A decision will also be taken then on whether to transfer the case to the High Court. This is only the beginning of Chan's new legal woes. The taxman is also after him for US$44 million in unpaid taxes for services rendered. And he has lumbered with legal costs - Chinachem Foundation's US$26 million legal fees and his own - after he lost the probate case. In a bid to economise, it has been reported that he is moving out of his 5,000 square foot house at the Peak at the end of this year.
The court also rejected an application for Chan's bail to be revoked; he is out on a US$2.5 million bail and another US$2.5 million surety put up by his brother.
The magistrate said there had been no change in circumstances to justify such a move. The prosecution also argued that Chan had given an interview to the media which could influence witnesses, and that he might pose a flight risk.