Three bailed in Hong Kong elevator safety fraud probe
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 6 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Three men arrested in a major elevator safety fraud investigation involving public housing estates were released on bail on Saturday, October 17. Police said the suspects, linked to Taizoom Elevator Company (HK) Limited, must report back to New Territories South Regional Headquarters in mid-November as the conspiracy to defraud investigation continues
Key Points
- Police said the three suspects are a 79-year-old elevator contractor director, an 82-year-old registered engineer, and a 63-year-old external engineering consultant
- The case followed an electrical and mechanical safety probe into Taizoom Elevator Company (HK) Limited and its work at Pok Hong Estate and Tsui Ping (North) Estate
- Investigators alleged the company falsely reported completion of fire-rated elevator door installations, while audits found only door panels were installed without matching fire-resistant frames
- Detectives seized housing contracts, meeting minutes and personnel files during a raid on the contractor's Chai Wan offices as part of the criminal inquiry
- Surprise government audits covered 48 elevators across the Sha Tin and Kwun Tong estates, where inspectors said missing fire-resistant frames could allow toxic smoke to spread during a fire
Why It Matters
The allegations concern safety work in public housing blocks, where residents rely on certified fire-protection measures in high-rise buildings. With the suspects on temporary bail and due to report back next month, the case remains active and could affect confidence in contractor certification and inspection oversight