What is the ESF kindergarten bribery case about?

ICAC Hong Kong secured convictions against 13 parents and a middleman for paying HK$20,000 to HK$200,000 each, about HK$1.1 million total, to an ESF Wu Kai Sha Kindergarten administrator. The goal was to fast‑track 12 children for assessment and admission. The court said the conduct damaged fairness and public trust.

When will sentencing occur, and is jail likely?

The District Court remanded all 14 on February 24 and set sentencing for March 31. The judge said imprisonment is unavoidable, signaling custodial terms are likely. Final sentence lengths will depend on the court’s assessment of roles, sums involved, mitigation, and any cooperation with investigators.

How could this affect international school admissions in Hong Kong?

Expect tighter policies, stronger audit trails, and reduced discretion in waitlists and assessments. Third‑party involvement will face more checks. Schools may add independent admissions reviews and publish clearer criteria and timelines. The aim will be to protect integrity, rebuild trust, and reduce corruption risks in the admissions process.

What should schools do now to manage anti‑corruption risk?

Set zero‑advantage policies for admissions, segregate duties, and require full documentation of every decision. Add whistleblowing channels, conflicts registers, and random audits. In contracts, ban facilitation payments and require disclosure of any fees. Provide staff and parent education so rules are understood and followed in practice.

Law and Government

Hong Kong ESF Bribery: 14 Convicted; Judge Signals Jail on February 24

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

The ESF kindergarten bribery case has moved fast in Hong Kong. ICAC Hong Kong secured convictions against 13 parents and a middleman for paying HK$20,000 to HK$200,000 each to an ESF Wu Kai Sha Kindergarten administrator. The total was about HK$1.1 million to fast‑track 12 children. On February 24, the judge said jail is unavoidable and remanded all 14. Sentencing is set for March 31. We explain the legal signals, sector risks, and what investors and parents should do next.