Government anti-bid rigging task force arrests 28 people

The government's joint task force to combat bid-rigging syndicates successfully busted a criminal organisation, arresting 28 people including a contractor, a consulting firm and members of a owners' corporation.

The force led by the Security Bureau was created after the independent committee in relation to the Wang Fuk Court fire submitted its report earlier.

Buildings and housing estates affected in this case include areas such as the Central and Western District, the Yau Tsim Mong District and Sham Shui Po.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang said the syndicate would target structures that have yet to be included in the government's mandatory inspections, where they will purchase residential units and infiltrate their owners' corporations ton influence decisions.

Tang also announced the 182000 hotline for reports on bid-rigging.

During the operation, we have neutralised that syndicate, resulting in the arrest of 28 people together by police and by ICAC, including six contractors, seven directors and six staff from that contractor.

Some of the arrested persons have a triad background.

The offences they are involved in include fraud, making a false instrument, conspiracy to defraud.

The syndicate is involved in least 20 buildings or estates, including 12 already awarded the contract.