Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has detained 22 people in connection with suspected bribery and fraud involving seven building renovation projects valued at over HK$200 million (US$25.6 million).
The suspects—17 men and five women ranging in age from 36 to 78—include senior executives and staff from four consultancy companies and three construction contractors, along with several chairpersons of residents’ committees overseeing the affected properties.
The detentions came during a two-day crackdown dubbed “Operation Lion Rock,” carried out this week after the anti-corruption body received complaints. ICAC investigators searched numerous locations, including consultancy and contractor offices, confiscating bidding paperwork, project documentation, and financial records.
The watchdog said the schemes under scrutiny involve major refurbishment works at three housing estates, three apartment blocks, and one industrial property situated in Tsuen Wan, Sham Shui Po, Tai Kok Tsui, San Po Kong, Kwun Tong, Sheung Wan, and Shau Kei Wan. Contract values ranged from HK$2 million to more than HK$100 million per project, totaling over HK$200 million.
Two contracts worth a combined HK$100 million had not yet been awarded, and the ICAC stated its intervention stopped them from being signed. The agency has not released the identities of the companies or properties involved.
The investigation stems from claims that construction firms paid kickbacks to consultants and committee members to win renovation contracts. Authorities also allege that certain consultancies and contractors doctored financial documents to hide suspicious transactions.
One residents’ committee chairman stands accused of passing confidential tender interview details to a consultancy to help it win a contract.
The ICAC confirmed the investigation remains active and has not ruled out additional arrests. It has reached out to representatives of the buildings in question, advising them to guard against corruption when commissioning maintenance work.
Corruption in Hong Kong’s building maintenance sector has been a persistent concern, with bid-rigging—where competitors secretly coordinate their bids—a recurring problem. The issue gained renewed attention after last November’s catastrophic fire at Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po.
In that incident, suspected collusion was tied to renovation work that started in July 2024. Follow-up tests showed some scaffolding net samples did not meet fire-resistance standards. Officials believe inferior materials helped fuel the blaze, which claimed 168 lives and displaced 5,000 residents. At least 22 people connected to that fire have been arrested by police and the ICAC, including project advisers, contractors, subcontractors, and middlemen.
The commission emphasized its determination to stamp out corruption in property management through enforcement, prevention, and public awareness initiatives. It encouraged citizens and industry professionals to report suspicious activity through its hotline at 2526 6366.
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