Mr James Kwok, of Hope Island, Queensland, has appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court after an investigation led to him being charged with two counts of managing a corporation while disqualified.

Mr Kwok was convicted in 2006 after being found guilty of dishonestly using his position as a director of Envirostar Energy Limited, a company that is now delisted. As a result of this conviction and subsequent sentence, Mr Kwok was automatically disqualified from managing corporations from 31 October 2006 to 25 November 2012 (refer: 07-32MR).

ASIC alleges that, despite being disqualified, Mr Kwok continued to engage in various acts of management in relation to a proprietary company, Pacific Energy International Pty Ltd, between 22 March 2010 and 17 July 2012, and a public company, Agri-Trade Holdings Limited (formerly known as FTD Corporation Ltd, Centium Electric Limited and Hidroco Limited) between 15 June 2011 and 25 July 2012.

The matter has been adjourned for further mention in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 19 September 2014.

The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting the matter.

Background

If convicted, Mr Kwok faces a maximum penalty of 12 months imprisonment and / or fine of $5,500 for each offence under section 206A of the Corporations Act 2001.

Editor's note 1:

On 21 November 2014 the matter was adjourned to 19 December 2014 for mention.

Editor's note 2:

On 19 December 2014, the matter was adjourned for further mention on 12 February 2015.

Editor’s note 3:

On 12 February 2015 the matter was adjourned for further mention on 26 February 2015.

Editor’s note 4:

On 25 February 2015 the matter was adjourned for further mention on 19 March 2015.