Former Hong Kong legislator Chim Pui-chung has been granted bail of five million Hong Kong dollars while he pursues an appeal against a fraud conviction that resulted in a prison sentence earlier this year.

The Court of Appeal approved the bail application after hearing arguments from Chim’s legal team that he should be released while the court reviews his challenge to the verdict.

The veteran politician, who once represented the financial services sector in Hong Kong’s legislature, had previously been remanded in custody following his conviction.

Chim was found guilty in connection with fraud allegations involving financial transactions linked to a publicly listed company.

Prosecutors argued during the trial that he participated in a scheme that misrepresented financial arrangements associated with share placements and investment activities.

The court accepted the prosecution’s case and imposed a prison sentence.

The appeal process now underway focuses on legal arguments from Chim’s defence team questioning aspects of the trial and the interpretation of evidence presented to the court.

Lawyers for the former lawmaker have said the conviction should be reconsidered, contending that the evidence did not support the conclusions reached at trial.

In granting bail, the Court of Appeal imposed several conditions, including the five-million-dollar cash guarantee and requirements that Chim surrender travel documents and remain within Hong Kong unless granted permission to leave.

The court also ordered that he report regularly to authorities while awaiting the outcome of the appeal.

Chim Pui-chung is a long-time figure in Hong Kong’s political and financial circles, having served multiple terms as a legislator and maintaining a high public profile in the city’s business sector.

Over the years he has been involved in a range of financial ventures and has previously faced legal disputes connected to corporate activities.

The appeal hearing is expected to examine the evidence presented in the original trial and determine whether the conviction should be upheld or whether further legal proceedings are required.

Until that decision is reached, Chim will remain on bail under the conditions set by the court.

The case has drawn attention due to Chim’s long political career and the broader implications for regulatory oversight in Hong Kong’s financial markets.

Judges are expected to consider detailed legal submissions from both prosecutors and the defence before issuing their ruling on the appeal.