A corruption case that had already shocked Asia took a surprising turn last month. Patrick Ho, a Chinese citizen and former official of Hong Kong, faces corruption charges in the United States. The U.S. accused him last year of trying to buy favors from African officials to help a Chinese company. The U.S. also accused a former Senegalese foreign minister, Cheikh Gadio, in connection with the crime. But, last month U.S. federal lawyers dismissed Gadio from any charges. In answer, Ho’s lawyers urged a federal judge in New York to release their client, too. It was the fifth time they have requested that Ho be released from jail while he waits for trial. But their request was refused again. Government lawyers also announced Gadio had agreed to help them in their case against Ho. Gadio’s help will provide strong evidence of Ho’s guilt, government lawyers told the court. The case raises the issue of what some call an “open secret:” widespread bribery of foreign governments by Chinese companies seeking international business deals.