World

Hong Kong ex-leader Tsang charged with misconduct in long-running corruption probe

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Donald Tsang, center, former leader of Hong Kong and his wife Selina arrive at a magistrates' court in Hong Kong Monday, Oct. 5, 2015. Tsang faces misconduct charges over a luxury apartment rental in mainland China, authorities said Monday, setting the stage for the city's most high-profile corruption trial in recent memory. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) (The Associated Press)

Donald Tsang, center, former leader of Hong Kong and his wife Selina arrive at a magistrates' court in Hong Kong Monday, Oct. 5, 2015. Tsang faces misconduct charges over a luxury apartment rental in mainland China, authorities said Monday, setting the stage for the city's most high-profile corruption trial in recent memory. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) (The Associated Press)

Hong Kong's anti-corruption watchdog says it has charged the former leader of the southern Chinese financial hub with misconduct, in one of the city's biggest-ever graft scandals.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption said in a statement Monday that Donald Tsang faces two counts of misconduct in public office.

The agency said Tsang was due to appear in a magistrate's court in the afternoon.

The allegations date from shortly before Tsang left office in June 2012 and concern a discounted luxury apartment rental in neighboring Shenzhen in mainland China from a wealthy friend.

It is one of several recent cases that have shaken public confidence and raised concerns about cozy ties between wealthy tycoons and the city's leaders.