Hong Kong Bethel Bible Seminary President Arrested for Committing Insurance Fraud

Oct 02, 2008 04:22 AM EDT

In numerous media reports, Rev. Gaspard K. T. Lam, president of Bethel Bible Seminary in Hong Kong, was arrested for falsifying its resignation report in order to withdraw $750,000 HKD of mandatory provident fund. It was uncovered when the economic department checked with the seminary.

On Sept. 25, Lin confessed reporting false information at the Eastern Magistracy and is now awaiting sentencing.

Lin’s false reporting violates the rules and regulations of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority. In 2006, he notified the AXA, which a company that manages mandatory provident fund, that he has resigned since Mar. 31, and AXA issued him $750,000 HKD for the employer donation, switching to AIA’s mandatory provident fund plan. After which, he deposited this fund into his own personal bank account.

According to reports, Lin denied his falsifying his resignation when he was first arrested and he even said that the document was left blank when he signed the document. On Sept. 25th, he changed his confession and admitted his guilt.

Lin has been working at Bethel Bible Seminary since 1985 and has served as the president since 1990.

On the internet, some ministers expressed their regrets on seeing someone like Lin with so much prestige and reputation to fall because of this mistake that completely destroyed his reputation.