Egg-waffle man Ng Yuk-fai, who said he refused to claim the dole and was praised by the health minister for his independence, is being investigated by police for alleged benefit fraud.
The Social Welfare Department launched a probe after news reports of the Tai Hang hawker's latest arrest last week alerted it to his earnings.
'It is alleged that he hid his income while getting welfare money from the government,' a person familiar with the case said.
A department spokesman said the matter had been referred to the police for further action.
After his arrest on April 10, Ng told reporters he made HK$6,000 a month selling his waffles on the streets of Tai Hang, HK$4,000 of which he sent back to his mainland family, and earned extra money delivering food for a restaurant and collecting waste paper. He said he refused to accept social welfare.
Secretary for Food and Health Dr York Chow Yat-ngok said two days later that he was sympathetic towards the hawker. 'He seems to be determined to continue working instead of getting Comprehensive Social Security Assistance. I find this virtue respectable,' Chow said.