Government procurement chief on pre-retirement leave amid counterfeit water scandal

The Director of Government Logistics, Carlson Chan Ka-shun, has been relieved of his duties and has commenced pre-retirement leave, according to the latest government gazette. His former deputy, Avia Lai Wong Shuk-han, will assume the role of acting director.

The move comes amid an ongoing controversy over the procurement of suspected counterfeit bottled water by government departments.

When asked whether Chan’s departure was linked to the scandal, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu described it as a “normal arrangement.”

Hui, speaking after a radio program appearance, reiterated that the government continues to follow up on the incident.

This includes a review being conducted by the Audit Commission and a dedicated task force he chaired under the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau examining existing systems and procedures.

No further details were provided regarding Chan’s leave or the ongoing internal investigations.