Foreman charged over HK$75,100 bribes from imported workers
HK01 · 7 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
The Independent Commission Against Corruption said it charged a 52-year-old foreman of Yik Tat Lee Electrical Engineering Co. Ltd. over alleged bribes totalling HK$75,100 from five imported electricians on the Kai Tak Hospital construction project. Prosecutors allege the payments were made between September and November 2026 to help the workers obtain employment on the project and remain employed there. The defendant, Tsang Chor-chung (曾楚松), faces 10 counts of agent accepting an advantage under section 9(1)(a) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. The case was brought before Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts on November 12, after he was charged on the evening of November 11.
Key Points
- China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd. was the main contractor for the Kai Tak Hospital project, while Yik Tat Lee was the electrical subcontractor.
- Because of labour shortages, the main contractor hired imported workers for subcontractors through the Construction Industry Imported Labour Scheme, including the defendant and five electricians he introduced.
- The five electricians each earned a daily wage of HK$1,300 and allegedly paid the defendant between HK$9,000 and HK$23,600 after being asked for bribes.
- The prosecution alleges 10 separate payments totalling HK$75,100 were collected from the five workers between September and November 2026.
- Both China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd. and Yik Tat Lee prohibit employees or agents from soliciting or accepting advantages in relation to company business.
Why It Matters
The case draws attention to the risk that imported workers may feel pressured to pay to secure or keep jobs when they fear losing employment. The ICAC said it arranges anti-corruption talks for imported workers within eight weeks of their arrival in Hong Kong and continues to distribute related information, underscoring the need for early compliance education in labour-import schemes.