Hong Kong competition watchdog launches raids over suspected HK$500 million renovation bid-rigging
Hong Kong’s competition watchdog has launched raids at 12 premises over alleged bid-rigging involving 28 building renovation projects worth around HK$500 million. The Competition Commission said on Thursday that the raids, conducted on Wednesday under an operation codenamed “Hunter,” included the offices of four unnamed building contractors. The operation was a follow-up to an investigation […]
The Hong Kong Competition Commission has conducted raids at 12 locations in connection with suspected bid-rigging in the city's building renovation sector, targeting projects valued at approximately HK$500 million. The operation, identified as "Hunter," focused on 28 renovation projects spread across 12 districts, some of which were still pending award at the time of the raid.
Four unnamed building contractors were among those inspected. This follows a January investigation where the watchdog searched 14 companies, including contractors and consultants, over alleged bid-rigging involving HK$700 million worth of contracts. The commission seized documents and communications revealing a potential hidden syndicate attempting to manipulate tender outcomes.
One suspect had allegedly solicited other contractors to submit bids, while directing them to manipulate tender results. The crackdown came after a major fire at Tai Po's Wang Fuk Court in November, which the commission linked to bid-rigging in a HK$336 million renovation project at the same site. The incident, which claimed 168 lives, prompted the commission to call for bid-rigging to be criminalized, describing such practices as widespread and systematic in Hong Kong.
Written by urgent.news from Hong Kong Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
