Cyberport vows stricter vetting after ex-staff arrest in subsidy fraud case

Cyberport confirmed full cooperation with ICAC in a bribery fraud probe involving the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme, halted HK$31 million in suspicious payouts, and pledged enhanced monitoring and integrity measures.

Cyberport described the case as isolated, involving only one former employee.

All other staff followed procedures and acted diligently. Upon spotting irregularities, Cyberport immediately stopped subsidy releases per program rules, preventing over HK$31 million from reaching suspects.

Recovery of any wrongly disbursed funds will proceed under funding guidelines.

The organization will tighten application checks, boost surveillance, add random on-site visits, and improve detection of suspicious cases following ICAC advice.

The DTSPP ran from early 2024 to May 2025, offering up to HK$50,000 matching grants to nearly 8,800 SMEs in catering, retail, tourism and personal services for basic digital tools. Over 80% of beneficiaries reported faster digital adoption, better efficiency and business growth.

Cyberport urged SMEs to stay alert against fraudulent helpers offering application assistance or seeking sensitive information. Doubtful cases should be reported directly to Cyberport.