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Wednesday, Feb 05, 2025
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YouTuber who charged over HK$540,000 for dating courses ‘confident’ to defend himself in court
YouTuber and influencer Chau Pak-yin told the Eastern Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday that he was confident to “settle the score for good” with the prosecution without any lawyer defending him after allegedly charging two men over HK$540,000 for courses on dating techniques.
Yet, Chau was immediately blasted by principal magistrate Ivy Chui Yee-mei for his arrogance; “Please take this seriously!”, Chui chided him.
The 33-year-old self-proclaimed “Professor Devil” was arrested by customs last April for violating the Trades Description Ordinance over his dating courses, including a Patreon membership tier that would cost subscribers HK$77,090 a month.
Chau was then charged with two counts of engaging in a commercial practice that is a misleading omission. He pleaded not guilty to the charges as the case was heard for the first time in court today.
The charges alleged Chau of charging two consumers surnamed Cheng and Chan HK$38,200 and HK$76,000 for the dating technique courses and further asking HK$100,000 and HK$330,000 from the two for new clothing and accessories.
Chan was also ordered to hand over a luxurious Omega wristwatch, with its model to be vetted and approved by Chau, or the two wouldn’t be able to attend the courses.
The hearing was adjourned to May 8 and 9, and Chau was released on bail for HK$10,000.
The prosecution revealed that they would summon four other witnesses apart from Cheng and Chan and submit two statements taken under police caution.
Chau then told the court that he would defend himself and didn't oppose the statements to be submitted. He added he has every confidence in himself and has been fully prepared. He also said he would summon one to two witnesses in his defense.
Outside the court building, Chau pointed out that this incident was a prank and said: “This whole case is based on false testimony.
“Customs arrested a KOL (key opinion leader) and collected the credit, but they don’t know that they have made a huge mistake,” Chau also said.
He referred to the latest blockbuster film “A Guilty Conscience” and said he would turn into “Barrister Devil” and beat prosecution witnesses during cross-examination.
The 33-year-old self-proclaimed “Professor Devil” was arrested by customs last April for violating the Trades Description Ordinance over his dating courses, including a Patreon membership tier that would cost subscribers HK$77,090 a month.
Chau was then charged with two counts of engaging in a commercial practice that is a misleading omission. He pleaded not guilty to the charges as the case was heard for the first time in court today.
The charges alleged Chau of charging two consumers surnamed Cheng and Chan HK$38,200 and HK$76,000 for the dating technique courses and further asking HK$100,000 and HK$330,000 from the two for new clothing and accessories.
Chan was also ordered to hand over a luxurious Omega wristwatch, with its model to be vetted and approved by Chau, or the two wouldn’t be able to attend the courses.
The hearing was adjourned to May 8 and 9, and Chau was released on bail for HK$10,000.
The prosecution revealed that they would summon four other witnesses apart from Cheng and Chan and submit two statements taken under police caution.
Chau then told the court that he would defend himself and didn't oppose the statements to be submitted. He added he has every confidence in himself and has been fully prepared. He also said he would summon one to two witnesses in his defense.
Outside the court building, Chau pointed out that this incident was a prank and said: “This whole case is based on false testimony.
“Customs arrested a KOL (key opinion leader) and collected the credit, but they don’t know that they have made a huge mistake,” Chau also said.
He referred to the latest blockbuster film “A Guilty Conscience” and said he would turn into “Barrister Devil” and beat prosecution witnesses during cross-examination.
