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Feb 2026Twenty-two arrested by ICAC for suspected corruption in seven grand renovation projects preventing award of contracts worth over $100 millionThe ICAC mounted a law enforcement operation codenamed “Lion Rock” this week (February 9 and 10) to combat suspected corruption and other related illicit activities involving the grand renovation projects of seven housing estates and buildings across the territory, arresting a total of 22 individuals.The arrestees, aged between 36 and 78, are 17 men and five women, including the directors and staff members of four project consultancy firms and three project contractors, as well as some of the chairpersons of incorporated owners (IO) of the estates and buildings concerned.During the operation, search warrants were executed by ICAC officers to conduct searches at multiple locations, including offices of the project consultancy firms and project contractors. Various exhibits were also seized, including the relevant tender and works documents, as well as banking and accounting records.The operation involved the grand renovation projects at three housing estates, three residential buildings and an industrial building across the territory in Tsuen Wan, Sham Shui Po, Tai Kok Tsui, San Po Kong, Kwun Tong, Sheung Wan and Shau Kei Wan. The individual contract sum ranged from $2 million to over $100 million, while the total contract sum amounts to over $200 million. Two of the projects, worth totalling over $100 million, were still at the preparatory stage. The ICAC’s operation prevented the award of the two contracts concerned.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint alleging that certain project contractors might have offered bribes to project consultancy firms and IO members for securing the grand renovation projects of the housing estates and buildings by corrupt means.The ICAC investigation revealed that the project consultancy firms and the project contractors had fabricated their accounting records to cover up dubious incomes and expenses. The investigation also revealed that one of the IO chairpersons had allegedly divulged confidential tender interview questions upon the request of a project consultancy firm to assist the latter in securing a consultancy contract.As the relevant corruption investigation is continuing, the ICAC does not rule out further law enforcement actions.Following the enforcement action, the ICAC had proactively contacted relevant stakeholders of the housing estates and buildings concerned, reminding them to stay vigilant to corruption risks when handling the projects.The ICAC has always attached great importance to corruption in building management and maintenance, adopting a three-pronged strategy of law enforcement, systemic prevention and community education in tackling these cases. The ICAC will continue to work closely with other government departments and organisations in combating corruption and other illicit activities in building maintenance works.The ICAC urges members of the public and relevant industry practitioners that if they suspect corruption in building maintenance, they should report to the ICAC immediately through its 24-hour hotline (25 266 366). 10
Feb 2026Duo plead guilty as ICAC graft probe reveals pharmaceutical wholesaler $1.1m service fees fraudA then general manager of a pharmaceutical wholesaler charged by the ICAC today (February 10) pleaded guilty at the District Court to deceiving the wholesaler into paying service fees totalling about $1.1 million by making false representations that consultancy services were provided by a secretarial services company operated by his subordinate. A director of the secretarial services company concerned pleaded guilty to money laundering.Watson Yau Wei-ching, 56, then general manager of Kingworld Medicine Healthcare Limited (Kingworld Medicine); pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud, contrary to section 16A of the Theft Ordinance. Another charge of fraud against him was left on court file.Co-defendant Chau Pak-ho, 41, director cum shareholder of Asia Great Services Limited (Asia Great), pleaded guilty to one count of dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence (commonly known as money laundering), contrary to section 25(1) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.Judge Mr Ernest Lin Kam-hung adjourned the case to July 24 for sentence and remanded the duo in custody of the Correctional Services Department.The above offences were revealed in an ICAC investigation arising from a corruption complaint. At the material time, Kingworld Medicine was a distributor and wholesaler of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products in Hong Kong and the Mainland. Yau oversaw the sales and marketing of Kingworld’s products. Meanwhile, Chau and a subordinate of Yau were the directors and shareholders of Asia Great which provided secretarial and accounting services to clients.The court heard that between February 2017 and May 2022, Yau submitted to Kingworld Medicine seven invoices issued by Asia Great purporting that consultancy services in relation to food nutrient labelling, legal regulations and import and export licensing were provided to Kingworld Medicine so as to induce it to pay consultancy services fees totalling over $530,000 to Asia Great.Yau also asked Hong Kong Ling Feng Advertising Company Limited (Ling Feng), a contracted advertising agency of Kingworld Medicine, to assist him in reimbursing consultancy services fees of Asia Great. He made false representations to Ling Feng that Asia Great had provided consultancy services to Kingworld, and told Ling Feng that it could make payment to Asia Great by deducting the amount prepaid by Kingworld Medicine to Ling Feng under an annual advertising contract.Between March 2019 and September 2023, Yau submitted six invoices issued by Asia Great to Ling Feng to induce the latter to pay consultancy services fees totalling over $540,000 to Asia Great on behalf of Kingworld Medicine.ICAC enquiries revealed that Asia Great had never provided any services to Kingworld Medicine despite receiving service fees totalling about $1.1 million. Chau assisted in dealing with $180,000 and transferred the sum to Yau.Co-defendant Alen Yu Yuen-to, then marketing officer of Kingworld Medicine and director cum shareholder of Asia Great, earlier pleaded not guilty to two counts of fraud. His case was set for trial on July 6.Kingworld Medicine rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The prosecution was today represented by Senior Public Prosecutor Cherry Chong, assisted by ICAC officer Giggs Poon. 02
Feb 2026Then bank employee charged for alleged breach of POBO by disclosing ICAC probe into family memberA then bank employee was charged by the ICAC last Friday (January 30) for allegedly breaching the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO) by disclosing an ICAC investigation to a family member, having learned that he was a subject of an on-going ICAC investigation.Lau Shui-ngo, 43, former customer services manager of Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited (Chiyu Bank), faces one count of disclosing the identity, etc. of a person being investigated, contrary to section 30(1)(a) of the POBO. She was released on ICAC bail, pending her appearance at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (February 3) for plea.In late January 2025, the ICAC sent a letter to Chiyu Bank requesting information in respect of an account for an on-going investigation. In early February 2025, Chiyu Bank provided the ICAC letter to the Tokwawan Branch, as the account was opened thereat. At the material time, the defendant was the customer services manager of the Tokwawan Branch of Chiyu Bank. Among other duties, she was responsible for handling matters arising from requests of law enforcement agencies. The defendant was therefore authorised to peruse the letter. She then became aware that the account was opened by her family member. The letter carried a reminder that the request and the information contained in it were confidential and should be carefully protected as disclosure might amount to an offence under the POBO.The charge alleges that between February and July 2025, the defendant, knowing or suspecting that an investigation in respect of an offence alleged or suspected to have been committed under the POBO was taking place, disclosed to the said family member that he was the subject of an ICAC investigation without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.Chiyu Bank rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.Under section 30 of the POBO, any person who discloses details of investigation or the identity of the subject person without lawful authority or reasonable excuse shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a maximum penalty of one-year imprisonment and a fine of $25,000. 30
Jan 2026Thirty-three from two corruption syndicates netted by ICAC over $150m government technology subsidies fraudIn two operations codenamed “Thunderclap” and “Thunder” mounted in mid-January, the ICAC neutralised two corruption syndicates and arrested 33 individuals, including their masterminds and backbone members on suspicion of defrauding government technology subsidies amounting to over $150 million in applications under the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme (DTSPP) and the Technology Voucher Programme (TVP) through bribery. Following ICAC’s law enforcement actions and interdepartmental co-operation, the approval and release of subsidies totalling over $120 million were put on hold.Operation ‘Thunderclap’: Bribery-facilitated fraud over DTSPP==========In Operation “Thunderclap”, ICAC officers arrested six men and three women aged between 27 and 58, including the proprietor and staff members of an information technology services supplier (the IT services supplier) and four owners of three vendors. Among the arrestees was a then employee of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (Cyberport), which is the secretariat of the DTSPP.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint. It was revealed that the IT services supplier had submitted over 1,000 DTSPP applications for various small and medium enterprises (SMEs) involving subsidies totalling about $50 million. The Commission and Cyberport have maintained a well-established mechanism for regular communication and reporting. The release of subsidies amounting to $31 million was put on hold following ICAC’s early intervention and close liaison with Cyberport.It is suspected that the corruption syndicate had engaged three vendors which claimed to offer free assistance to SMEs in applying for government technology subsidies, inflated the costs of the digital transformation solutions and falsely represented that the applicants had paid for half costs in accordance with the requirements of the programme. The syndicate had also allegedly bribed a then Cyberport employee to circumvent the regulatory system and expedite the approval process.Operation ‘Thunder’: Bribery-facilitated fraud over TVP==========A total of 24 individuals, namely 18 men and six women aged between 30 and 66 were arrested by the ICAC in Operation “Thunder”. The arrestees included four proprietors of information technology services suppliers (the IT services suppliers), a bank manager, an insurance agent, an accounting manager and a number of shell company owners, who were relatives and friends of syndicate members.While suspected bribery-facilitated fraud in relation to TVP applications was revealed in the course of an ICAC investigation, a report was filed after the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) identified several service suppliers making repeated applications. Subsequent ICAC investigation revealed that the six IT services suppliers implicated were involved in about 470 TVP applications with subsidies amounting to over $100 million. Intervention by the ICAC and timely close liaison with the ITC and the HKPC had put on hold almost 90% of the subsidies concerned or $94 million.Enquiries found that the corruption syndicate was organised and operated among a group of acquaintances and friends recruiting their relatives to join the scam by setting up various shell companies. The syndicate had allegedly bribed the bank manager, accounting manager, and insurance agent implicated to assist in opening bank accounts and falsifying accounting documents and mandatory provident fund contributions records purporting that those companies had normal business operations to facilitate their TVP applications. However, those companies had never purchased any equipment for enhancing productivity.Cyberport, the ITC and the HKPC rendered full assistance to the ICAC during the investigation into the two cases. The ICAC enquiries did not reveal any involvement of any other Cyberport staff or any officers of the ITC and the HKPC in the scam.The ICAC has all along been working closely with government departments and public bodies to provide corruption prevention advice and guidelines on administration of government funding schemes so as to enhance their integrity management and corruption prevention safeguards. The ICAC will continue to provide assistance to the relevant organisations to strengthen their anti-corruption capability.Meanwhile, the ICAC will launch the Corruption Prevention Guide on Funding Schemes on Innovation and Technology in the second quarter of this year to help grantors strengthen the monitoring of funding schemes and enhance the anti-corruption capability of the industry. The ICAC will also organise an anti-corruption training for grantors in the public sector to assist their managerial staff to enhance governance and internal control systems.A Cyberport spokesperson stated, “Cyberport takes this isolated incident with grave concern and reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy towards any potential unlawful activities, and has assisted law enforcement authorities in full strength with their work, including referring any suspected illegal cases to the ICAC for further investigation. As revealed by the ICAC’s investigation, except for the former staff member involved in the case, all other staff at Cyberport have duly performed their duties and exercised due diligence in the vetting and approval for the programme. Cyberport will continue to strengthen integrity management and anti-corruption measures.”An ITC spokesperson said, “The ITC and the HKPC, which serves as the Secretariat of the TVP, have long been rigorously reviewing the information submitted by applicants to ensure the eligibility of the applications and that the project deliverables conform to relevant requirements. The current case demonstrates the high level of vigilance perceived by members of the ITC and the Secretariat, who proactively reported the concerned cases to law enforcement agencies when there was suspicion during the vetting procedures, and worked hand in hand with the ICAC during the investigation process.”Appendix==========About the DTSPPThe DTSPP was implemented between early 2024 and May 2025 to subsidise SMEs in four specific sectors on a one-to-one matching basis in adopting ready-to-use basic digital technology solutions. The ceiling of subsidies offered to each enterprise was $50,000. Cyberport served as the secretariat for the DTSPP.About the TVPIn late 2016, the Government implemented the TVP to subsidise local enterprises/organisations in using technology to enhance productivity and strengthen their long-term competitiveness. Successful projects were entitled to the government subsidies covering three-quarters of the costs, while the applicants were required to pay for the remaining quarter. Each eligible applicant could be approved for up to six projects, and the ceiling of government subsidy was $600,000 per applicant. The TVP has ceased to accept applications since late 2024. 28
Jan 2026Twenty charged by ICAC for conspiracy to defraud EMSD over registered electrical worker certificates by falsifying work experienceFollowing a corruption investigation by the ICAC which revealed that some individuals had illegally applied for certificates of registration as electrical workers and misled the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) to issue the relevant certificates by falsifying work experience, the Commission mounted an operation codenamed “Beacon Tower”, arresting a number of people. After conducting intensive investigations and seeking legal advice, a total of 20 people were charged with multiple counts of conspiracy to defraud in three cases yesterday and today (January 27 and 28).In the first case, the defendants are Fung Tak-lap, 59, proprietor of K-ONE Power & Interior Design Co. (K-ONE); and 17 electrical workers aged between 37 and 66. Fung faces a total of 26 counts of conspiracy to defraud, contrary to the Common Law; while each of the remaining defendants faces one of the charges.The 17 electrical workers are Wan Ping-hung, Yung Yau-leung, Mak Kwok-wah, Lu Jialiang, Lin Zhuangfu, Tang Chi-ho, Au Sai-hing, Feng Rui, Huang Jieyu, Li Wai-hong, Walter Lo Yuen-yik, Fong Shiu-wang, Man Wai-lok, Hui Yat-shun, Chung Chi-shing, Hui Chun-ming and Chen Junying.The defendants were released on ICAC bail, pending their appearance at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (January 29) for mention. The prosecution will apply to transfer the case to the District Court for plea.Two other electrical workers, Law Wai-ming and Yip Man-lam, aged 61 and 39 respectively, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud. The duo were also released on bail, pending their appearance at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow for plea in two cases.Any person who performs electrical installation work in Hong Kong is required to register with the EMSD as a Registered Electrical Worker. Certificates of registration are categorised in five grades, of which Grade A is classified as the elementary level (commonly known as Grade A Electrical Work Certificate). Applicants are required to meet various requirements, including possessing at least five years’ work experience in electrical work. Written proof supporting an applicant’s relevant work experience should be submitted with the application form for EMSD’s assessment.Between October 2018 and October 2024, K-ONE had organised a paid training course for potential Grade A Electrical Work Certificates applicants. At that time, the 19 electrical workers concerned had submitted their applications for Grade A Electrical Work Certificates to the EMSD. They were either students of the K-ONE training course or individuals referred to Fung by others.The charges allege that Fung and the 17 co-defendants had conspired together with others to defraud the EMSD by falsely representing to the EMSD that the electrical workers concerned had been employed by K-ONE or seven other engineering companies for electrical work-related jobs, thereby inducing the EMSD to approve and issue Grade A Electrical Work Certificates to the 17 electrical workers concerned.It is suspected that Wan and Yip had conspired with others to use similar fraudulent means to deceive the EMSD into approving and issuing Grade A Electrical Work Certificates to the duo.The ICAC investigation revealed that Fung was the proprietor of K-ONE and two other electrical engineering companies implicated in the cases. He had allegedly assisted the electrical workers in falsifying employment proof documents supporting their five-year electrical work experience to facilitate their applications to the EMSD for Grade A Electrical Work Certificates.The EMSD rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the cases, and revoked the certificates of the applicants in the cases.An ICAC spokesperson urges members of the public to stay vigilant against making applications to the government or licensing authorities by illegal and fraudulent means, which is a serious crime. In view of the corruption risks revealed by the cases, the ICAC has completed a corruption prevention review of the EMSD’s procedures for the registration and regulation of electrical contractors and workers. The EMSD is implementing the ICAC’s recommendations to reduce the corruption risks of the associated procedures. The ICAC continues to partner with the EMSD to enhance integrity in the industry, including stepping up preventive education to curb any illegalities and irregularities.
Feb 2026Twenty-two arrested by ICAC for suspected corruption in seven grand renovation projects preventing award of contracts worth over $100 millionThe ICAC mounted a law enforcement operation codenamed “Lion Rock” this week (February 9 and 10) to combat suspected corruption and other related illicit activities involving the grand renovation projects of seven housing estates and buildings across the territory, arresting a total of 22 individuals.The arrestees, aged between 36 and 78, are 17 men and five women, including the directors and staff members of four project consultancy firms and three project contractors, as well as some of the chairpersons of incorporated owners (IO) of the estates and buildings concerned.During the operation, search warrants were executed by ICAC officers to conduct searches at multiple locations, including offices of the project consultancy firms and project contractors. Various exhibits were also seized, including the relevant tender and works documents, as well as banking and accounting records.The operation involved the grand renovation projects at three housing estates, three residential buildings and an industrial building across the territory in Tsuen Wan, Sham Shui Po, Tai Kok Tsui, San Po Kong, Kwun Tong, Sheung Wan and Shau Kei Wan. The individual contract sum ranged from $2 million to over $100 million, while the total contract sum amounts to over $200 million. Two of the projects, worth totalling over $100 million, were still at the preparatory stage. The ICAC’s operation prevented the award of the two contracts concerned.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint alleging that certain project contractors might have offered bribes to project consultancy firms and IO members for securing the grand renovation projects of the housing estates and buildings by corrupt means.The ICAC investigation revealed that the project consultancy firms and the project contractors had fabricated their accounting records to cover up dubious incomes and expenses. The investigation also revealed that one of the IO chairpersons had allegedly divulged confidential tender interview questions upon the request of a project consultancy firm to assist the latter in securing a consultancy contract.As the relevant corruption investigation is continuing, the ICAC does not rule out further law enforcement actions.Following the enforcement action, the ICAC had proactively contacted relevant stakeholders of the housing estates and buildings concerned, reminding them to stay vigilant to corruption risks when handling the projects.The ICAC has always attached great importance to corruption in building management and maintenance, adopting a three-pronged strategy of law enforcement, systemic prevention and community education in tackling these cases. The ICAC will continue to work closely with other government departments and organisations in combating corruption and other illicit activities in building maintenance works.The ICAC urges members of the public and relevant industry practitioners that if they suspect corruption in building maintenance, they should report to the ICAC immediately through its 24-hour hotline (25 266 366). 10
Feb 2026Duo plead guilty as ICAC graft probe reveals pharmaceutical wholesaler $1.1m service fees fraudA then general manager of a pharmaceutical wholesaler charged by the ICAC today (February 10) pleaded guilty at the District Court to deceiving the wholesaler into paying service fees totalling about $1.1 million by making false representations that consultancy services were provided by a secretarial services company operated by his subordinate. A director of the secretarial services company concerned pleaded guilty to money laundering.Watson Yau Wei-ching, 56, then general manager of Kingworld Medicine Healthcare Limited (Kingworld Medicine); pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud, contrary to section 16A of the Theft Ordinance. Another charge of fraud against him was left on court file.Co-defendant Chau Pak-ho, 41, director cum shareholder of Asia Great Services Limited (Asia Great), pleaded guilty to one count of dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence (commonly known as money laundering), contrary to section 25(1) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.Judge Mr Ernest Lin Kam-hung adjourned the case to July 24 for sentence and remanded the duo in custody of the Correctional Services Department.The above offences were revealed in an ICAC investigation arising from a corruption complaint. At the material time, Kingworld Medicine was a distributor and wholesaler of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products in Hong Kong and the Mainland. Yau oversaw the sales and marketing of Kingworld’s products. Meanwhile, Chau and a subordinate of Yau were the directors and shareholders of Asia Great which provided secretarial and accounting services to clients.The court heard that between February 2017 and May 2022, Yau submitted to Kingworld Medicine seven invoices issued by Asia Great purporting that consultancy services in relation to food nutrient labelling, legal regulations and import and export licensing were provided to Kingworld Medicine so as to induce it to pay consultancy services fees totalling over $530,000 to Asia Great.Yau also asked Hong Kong Ling Feng Advertising Company Limited (Ling Feng), a contracted advertising agency of Kingworld Medicine, to assist him in reimbursing consultancy services fees of Asia Great. He made false representations to Ling Feng that Asia Great had provided consultancy services to Kingworld, and told Ling Feng that it could make payment to Asia Great by deducting the amount prepaid by Kingworld Medicine to Ling Feng under an annual advertising contract.Between March 2019 and September 2023, Yau submitted six invoices issued by Asia Great to Ling Feng to induce the latter to pay consultancy services fees totalling over $540,000 to Asia Great on behalf of Kingworld Medicine.ICAC enquiries revealed that Asia Great had never provided any services to Kingworld Medicine despite receiving service fees totalling about $1.1 million. Chau assisted in dealing with $180,000 and transferred the sum to Yau.Co-defendant Alen Yu Yuen-to, then marketing officer of Kingworld Medicine and director cum shareholder of Asia Great, earlier pleaded not guilty to two counts of fraud. His case was set for trial on July 6.Kingworld Medicine rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.The prosecution was today represented by Senior Public Prosecutor Cherry Chong, assisted by ICAC officer Giggs Poon. 02
Feb 2026Then bank employee charged for alleged breach of POBO by disclosing ICAC probe into family memberA then bank employee was charged by the ICAC last Friday (January 30) for allegedly breaching the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (POBO) by disclosing an ICAC investigation to a family member, having learned that he was a subject of an on-going ICAC investigation.Lau Shui-ngo, 43, former customer services manager of Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited (Chiyu Bank), faces one count of disclosing the identity, etc. of a person being investigated, contrary to section 30(1)(a) of the POBO. She was released on ICAC bail, pending her appearance at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (February 3) for plea.In late January 2025, the ICAC sent a letter to Chiyu Bank requesting information in respect of an account for an on-going investigation. In early February 2025, Chiyu Bank provided the ICAC letter to the Tokwawan Branch, as the account was opened thereat. At the material time, the defendant was the customer services manager of the Tokwawan Branch of Chiyu Bank. Among other duties, she was responsible for handling matters arising from requests of law enforcement agencies. The defendant was therefore authorised to peruse the letter. She then became aware that the account was opened by her family member. The letter carried a reminder that the request and the information contained in it were confidential and should be carefully protected as disclosure might amount to an offence under the POBO.The charge alleges that between February and July 2025, the defendant, knowing or suspecting that an investigation in respect of an offence alleged or suspected to have been committed under the POBO was taking place, disclosed to the said family member that he was the subject of an ICAC investigation without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.Chiyu Bank rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.Under section 30 of the POBO, any person who discloses details of investigation or the identity of the subject person without lawful authority or reasonable excuse shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a maximum penalty of one-year imprisonment and a fine of $25,000. 30
Jan 2026Thirty-three from two corruption syndicates netted by ICAC over $150m government technology subsidies fraudIn two operations codenamed “Thunderclap” and “Thunder” mounted in mid-January, the ICAC neutralised two corruption syndicates and arrested 33 individuals, including their masterminds and backbone members on suspicion of defrauding government technology subsidies amounting to over $150 million in applications under the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme (DTSPP) and the Technology Voucher Programme (TVP) through bribery. Following ICAC’s law enforcement actions and interdepartmental co-operation, the approval and release of subsidies totalling over $120 million were put on hold.Operation ‘Thunderclap’: Bribery-facilitated fraud over DTSPP==========In Operation “Thunderclap”, ICAC officers arrested six men and three women aged between 27 and 58, including the proprietor and staff members of an information technology services supplier (the IT services supplier) and four owners of three vendors. Among the arrestees was a then employee of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (Cyberport), which is the secretariat of the DTSPP.The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint. It was revealed that the IT services supplier had submitted over 1,000 DTSPP applications for various small and medium enterprises (SMEs) involving subsidies totalling about $50 million. The Commission and Cyberport have maintained a well-established mechanism for regular communication and reporting. The release of subsidies amounting to $31 million was put on hold following ICAC’s early intervention and close liaison with Cyberport.It is suspected that the corruption syndicate had engaged three vendors which claimed to offer free assistance to SMEs in applying for government technology subsidies, inflated the costs of the digital transformation solutions and falsely represented that the applicants had paid for half costs in accordance with the requirements of the programme. The syndicate had also allegedly bribed a then Cyberport employee to circumvent the regulatory system and expedite the approval process.Operation ‘Thunder’: Bribery-facilitated fraud over TVP==========A total of 24 individuals, namely 18 men and six women aged between 30 and 66 were arrested by the ICAC in Operation “Thunder”. The arrestees included four proprietors of information technology services suppliers (the IT services suppliers), a bank manager, an insurance agent, an accounting manager and a number of shell company owners, who were relatives and friends of syndicate members.While suspected bribery-facilitated fraud in relation to TVP applications was revealed in the course of an ICAC investigation, a report was filed after the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) identified several service suppliers making repeated applications. Subsequent ICAC investigation revealed that the six IT services suppliers implicated were involved in about 470 TVP applications with subsidies amounting to over $100 million. Intervention by the ICAC and timely close liaison with the ITC and the HKPC had put on hold almost 90% of the subsidies concerned or $94 million.Enquiries found that the corruption syndicate was organised and operated among a group of acquaintances and friends recruiting their relatives to join the scam by setting up various shell companies. The syndicate had allegedly bribed the bank manager, accounting manager, and insurance agent implicated to assist in opening bank accounts and falsifying accounting documents and mandatory provident fund contributions records purporting that those companies had normal business operations to facilitate their TVP applications. However, those companies had never purchased any equipment for enhancing productivity.Cyberport, the ITC and the HKPC rendered full assistance to the ICAC during the investigation into the two cases. The ICAC enquiries did not reveal any involvement of any other Cyberport staff or any officers of the ITC and the HKPC in the scam.The ICAC has all along been working closely with government departments and public bodies to provide corruption prevention advice and guidelines on administration of government funding schemes so as to enhance their integrity management and corruption prevention safeguards. The ICAC will continue to provide assistance to the relevant organisations to strengthen their anti-corruption capability.Meanwhile, the ICAC will launch the Corruption Prevention Guide on Funding Schemes on Innovation and Technology in the second quarter of this year to help grantors strengthen the monitoring of funding schemes and enhance the anti-corruption capability of the industry. The ICAC will also organise an anti-corruption training for grantors in the public sector to assist their managerial staff to enhance governance and internal control systems.A Cyberport spokesperson stated, “Cyberport takes this isolated incident with grave concern and reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy towards any potential unlawful activities, and has assisted law enforcement authorities in full strength with their work, including referring any suspected illegal cases to the ICAC for further investigation. As revealed by the ICAC’s investigation, except for the former staff member involved in the case, all other staff at Cyberport have duly performed their duties and exercised due diligence in the vetting and approval for the programme. Cyberport will continue to strengthen integrity management and anti-corruption measures.”An ITC spokesperson said, “The ITC and the HKPC, which serves as the Secretariat of the TVP, have long been rigorously reviewing the information submitted by applicants to ensure the eligibility of the applications and that the project deliverables conform to relevant requirements. The current case demonstrates the high level of vigilance perceived by members of the ITC and the Secretariat, who proactively reported the concerned cases to law enforcement agencies when there was suspicion during the vetting procedures, and worked hand in hand with the ICAC during the investigation process.”Appendix==========About the DTSPPThe DTSPP was implemented between early 2024 and May 2025 to subsidise SMEs in four specific sectors on a one-to-one matching basis in adopting ready-to-use basic digital technology solutions. The ceiling of subsidies offered to each enterprise was $50,000. Cyberport served as the secretariat for the DTSPP.About the TVPIn late 2016, the Government implemented the TVP to subsidise local enterprises/organisations in using technology to enhance productivity and strengthen their long-term competitiveness. Successful projects were entitled to the government subsidies covering three-quarters of the costs, while the applicants were required to pay for the remaining quarter. Each eligible applicant could be approved for up to six projects, and the ceiling of government subsidy was $600,000 per applicant. The TVP has ceased to accept applications since late 2024. 28
Jan 2026Twenty charged by ICAC for conspiracy to defraud EMSD over registered electrical worker certificates by falsifying work experienceFollowing a corruption investigation by the ICAC which revealed that some individuals had illegally applied for certificates of registration as electrical workers and misled the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) to issue the relevant certificates by falsifying work experience, the Commission mounted an operation codenamed “Beacon Tower”, arresting a number of people. After conducting intensive investigations and seeking legal advice, a total of 20 people were charged with multiple counts of conspiracy to defraud in three cases yesterday and today (January 27 and 28).In the first case, the defendants are Fung Tak-lap, 59, proprietor of K-ONE Power & Interior Design Co. (K-ONE); and 17 electrical workers aged between 37 and 66. Fung faces a total of 26 counts of conspiracy to defraud, contrary to the Common Law; while each of the remaining defendants faces one of the charges.The 17 electrical workers are Wan Ping-hung, Yung Yau-leung, Mak Kwok-wah, Lu Jialiang, Lin Zhuangfu, Tang Chi-ho, Au Sai-hing, Feng Rui, Huang Jieyu, Li Wai-hong, Walter Lo Yuen-yik, Fong Shiu-wang, Man Wai-lok, Hui Yat-shun, Chung Chi-shing, Hui Chun-ming and Chen Junying.The defendants were released on ICAC bail, pending their appearance at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (January 29) for mention. The prosecution will apply to transfer the case to the District Court for plea.Two other electrical workers, Law Wai-ming and Yip Man-lam, aged 61 and 39 respectively, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud. The duo were also released on bail, pending their appearance at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow for plea in two cases.Any person who performs electrical installation work in Hong Kong is required to register with the EMSD as a Registered Electrical Worker. Certificates of registration are categorised in five grades, of which Grade A is classified as the elementary level (commonly known as Grade A Electrical Work Certificate). Applicants are required to meet various requirements, including possessing at least five years’ work experience in electrical work. Written proof supporting an applicant’s relevant work experience should be submitted with the application form for EMSD’s assessment.Between October 2018 and October 2024, K-ONE had organised a paid training course for potential Grade A Electrical Work Certificates applicants. At that time, the 19 electrical workers concerned had submitted their applications for Grade A Electrical Work Certificates to the EMSD. They were either students of the K-ONE training course or individuals referred to Fung by others.The charges allege that Fung and the 17 co-defendants had conspired together with others to defraud the EMSD by falsely representing to the EMSD that the electrical workers concerned had been employed by K-ONE or seven other engineering companies for electrical work-related jobs, thereby inducing the EMSD to approve and issue Grade A Electrical Work Certificates to the 17 electrical workers concerned.It is suspected that Wan and Yip had conspired with others to use similar fraudulent means to deceive the EMSD into approving and issuing Grade A Electrical Work Certificates to the duo.The ICAC investigation revealed that Fung was the proprietor of K-ONE and two other electrical engineering companies implicated in the cases. He had allegedly assisted the electrical workers in falsifying employment proof documents supporting their five-year electrical work experience to facilitate their applications to the EMSD for Grade A Electrical Work Certificates.The EMSD rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the cases, and revoked the certificates of the applicants in the cases.An ICAC spokesperson urges members of the public to stay vigilant against making applications to the government or licensing authorities by illegal and fraudulent means, which is a serious crime. In view of the corruption risks revealed by the cases, the ICAC has completed a corruption prevention review of the EMSD’s procedures for the registration and regulation of electrical contractors and workers. The EMSD is implementing the ICAC’s recommendations to reduce the corruption risks of the associated procedures. The ICAC continues to partner with the EMSD to enhance integrity in the industry, including stepping up preventive education to curb any illegalities and irregularities.