ICAC arrests 21 in crackdown on triad-linked building repair corruption syndicate

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) detained 21 people last week, targeting a corruption ring with triad connections that manipulated major renovation projects in two Kwun Tong housing estates.

The arrested include 15 men and six women aged 30 to 81, comprising intermediaries, engineering consultants, contractors, and members of owners' corporations. Some have triad backgrounds.

Searches at offices of involved consultants and contractors yielded bidding documents and other evidence.

One case involves a contractor allegedly bribing a consultant and corporation members via intermediaries to secure a HK$33 million contract.

The other, still in planning, saw intermediaries suspected of corruptly collecting proxy forms to control the corporation and influence future contracts.

The ICAC has contacted stakeholders in the estates to highlight corruption risks during project follow-up.

Building maintenance affects many residents and involves multiple parties.

The ICAC employs enforcement, prevention, and education strategies, working with authorities to combat graft.

It provides guidelines and training for corporations and owners on project management and governance while conducting outreach through visits, talks, and seminars to explain anti-corruption laws and promote transparency and communication.