bid-rigging

Bid-rigging refers to a corrupt practice where participants in a bidding process collude to manipulate the outcome, often to predetermine a winner and divide the spoils. In Hong Kong, this issue has gained significant attention following the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire. In response, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has reported a 1.5-fold increase in corruption complaints related to building renovations in early 2026 compared to the previous year, with heightened public concern over bid-rigging being a key driver. The city's competition watchdog is now accelerating its efforts, aiming to submit proposals to criminalize bid-rigging as early as September. This move is expected to lead to legislative amendments by the end of the year, reflecting a proactive governmental response to address corruption and ensure fair competition in public and private tenders, particularly in the construction and renovation sectors.