(Bloomberg) -- A former Hong Kong cabinet minister accused in the U.S. of trying to bribe African government officials to win business for a Chinese energy company failed to persuade a judge to let him out on bail while he prepares for trial.
Lawyers for Chi Ping Patrick Ho, 68, asked that he be released on a $10 million bond, secured by $5 million in cash, and that he wear an ankle bracelet and undergo home monitoring to ensure he doesn't flee before trial.
U.S. District Judge Katherine Forrest said the evidence against Ho is "very strong" and that the proposed bail package doesn't provide enough security that he'll stay in the U.S.
According to prosecutors, Ho was involved in two bribery schemes. The president of Chad was allegedly offered $2 million in exchange for the Chinese company securing drilling contracts. A Ugandan government official was allegedly offered $500,000 in a separate bribery scheme.
The Chinese company involved isn't named in court papers, but its description matches that of CEFC China Energy Co. Ho, who was arrested Nov. 18 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, has pleaded not guilty.
To contact the reporter on this story: Bob Van Voris in federal court in Manhattan at rvanvoris@bloomberg.net.
To contact the editors responsible for this story: David Glovin at dglovin@bloomberg.net, Joe Schneider, Paul Cox
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