22 arrested as Hong Kong’s ICAC raids firms linked to shady renovation deals
Arrests related to seven building renovation projects involving contracts worth more than HK$200 million
Hong Kong’s anti-graft watchdog has arrested 22 people on suspicion of corruption and other illicit activities linked to seven building renovation projects worth more than HK$200 million (US$25.6 million).
The suspects – 17 men and five women, aged 36 to 78 – included directors and employees of four project consultancy firms and three contractors, as well as several chairmen of owners’ committees of the housing estates and buildings.
ICAC officers raided various locations, including the offices of the project consultancy firms and project contractors. Items seized included tender and works documents, as well as banking and accounting records, the ICAC said on Friday.
“The operation involved the grand renovation projects at three housing estates, three residential buildings and an industrial building across [Hong Kong] in Tsuen Wan, Sham Shui Po, Tai Kok Tsui, San Po Kong, Kwun Tong, Sheung Wan and Shau Kei Wan,” the ICAC said.
“The individual contract sum ranged from HK$2 million to over HK$100 million, while the total contract sum amounted to over HK$200 million.”