Warning over proxy harvesting in Hong Kong amid renovation corruption crackdown
‘You must not sign a proxy form for someone you do not know,’ professional says after Tai Po fire triggers clampdown
Hong Kong homeowners should be vigilant against handing over their voting rights to strangers, a property management professional and a legislator have warned, saying proxy harvesting remains a rampant threat to building safety amid a major corruption crackdown.
Last week, 21 people were arrested in an operation by the city’s anti-corruption watchdog on suspicion of corruption at two Kwun Tong estates.
Johnnie Chan Chi-kau, spokesman of the Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies, pointed to a specific tactic used by syndicates to hijack owners’ corporations.
“You must not sign a proxy form for someone you do not know. People may come knocking on your door, saying ‘I am from the owners’ corporation’ or ‘I represent a certain organisation’,” he told a radio programme.
“You should avoid those as much as possible because we all know there are many lawbreakers who may take advantage of the current situation … perhaps even impersonating care teams.”