Hong Kong authorities arrest 50 in major bid-rigging crackdown

Hong Kong authorities have arrested 50 people, including some with alleged triad backgrounds, in a crackdown on bid-rigging activities involving 27 housing estates and buildings and about HK$500 million (US$64.1 million) in contracts.

The ICAC said the suspects included the alleged mastermind and core members of a syndicate behind bid-rigging activities for the repair and maintenance of residential buildings.

The three agencies searched 39 premises, including the homes of suspects, and seized documents and accounting records. Officers also raided premises allegedly controlled by triads for suspected illegal activities. The ICAC and police arrested 50 people, aged 24 to 77.

Corruption complaints from the public triggered the operation. They concerned a contractor for major renovation works for three composite and private residential buildings in Eastern, Wan Chai and Yau Tsim Mong districts with contracts estimated to be worth HK$200 million, the ICAC said.