A former direct sales agent in Hong Kong, whose work was promoting the credit cards of various banks, was sentenced to four years and six months in prison by the District Court on Thursday, for using the personal data of customers to apply for credit cards, amassing personal gains totalling over HK$172,000 ($22,189).

Chan Tin-lok, 31, earlier pleaded guilty to 19 charges, including fraud and failing to surrender into custody. The court heard that the former employee of Iterative Consultancy Service (HK) Limited, had ready access to personal information and documents as part of his job to help credit card applicants to fill out application forms. He used the information to obtain loans and credit cards.

Judge Sham Siu-man said a heavy sentence was assessed, since Chan had a record of 15 similar previous offenses.