22 arrested as Hong Kong’s ICAC raids firms linked to shady renovation deals

Hong Kong’s anti-graft watchdog has arrested 22 people on suspicion of corruption linked to seven building renovation projects worth more than HK$200 million (US$25.6 million).The suspects – 17 men and five women, aged 36 to 78 – included directors and employees of four project consultancy firms and three contractors, as well as some of the chairmen of owners’ corporations of the housing estates and buildings.The arrests followed a two-day operation, code-named “Lion Rock”, this week by officers from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) after earlier complaints.ICAC officers raided various locations, including the offices of the project consultancy firms and project contractors. Items seized included tender and works documents, as well as banking and accounting records, the ICAC said on Friday.“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 ICAC said.“The individual contract sum ranged from HK$2 million to over HK$100 million, while the total contract sum amounted to over HK$200 million.”The agency said two of the projects, worth more than HK$100 million in total, were still at the preparatory stage. “The ICAC’s operation prevented the award of the two contracts concerned,” it added.