The original handwriting expert chosen by fung shui master Tony Chan Chun- chuen has strong evidence that the signature on a will bequeathing Nina Wang Kung Yu-sum’s estate to him is a high- quality fake, the Court of First Instance was told yesterday.
Chinachem Charitable Foundation, which is also staking a claim to Wang’s fortune, is opposing Chan’s request to replace British handwriting expert Audrey Giles with Australian Paul Westwood. The hearing has been adjourned until Thursday.
Foundation counsel Dennis Chang had earlier told Judge Johnson Lam Man-hon he understood Giles “has given strong evidence that Nina Wang’s signature is not genuine,” and is instead a high-quality fake. Chang claimed Giles’ opinion is even stronger than that of the foundation’s own handwriting expert, Robert Radley, who is also British.
Chan, 49, who claims he was Wang’s secret lover, possesses a 2006 will that purportedly leaves her assets to him. The foundation holds a 2002 will, which is undisputed, that leaves Wang’s assets to the charity and family members.
Chan’s side had earlier announced its intention to apply for permission to use Westwood’s evidence. The foundation opposes the application and is demanding a clear explanation for the switch.
Meanwhile, the foundation has sent solicitor Keith Ho Man-kei to pick up the original documents from London to be sent to Australia in the event Chan’s application is approved. Outside court Chan’s solicitor Jonathan Midgley, said: “What we’re interested in is finding the truth and what Nina Wang’s intentions were.”