ICAC response statement
2021-3-26
In response to media enquiries, an ICAC spokesperson confirmed that in mid-March the Commission took enforcement actions and arrested eight site team leaders of a sub-contractor of the Third Runway Project of the Hong Kong International Airport (Third Runway Project) for allegedly soliciting and accepting advantages from construction workers as rewards for procuring the latter’s employment.
The arrested site team leaders were responsible for assigning tasks to construction workers at the Third Runway Project construction site. During the operation, a number of construction workers were interviewed and premises were searched.
The investigation arose from corruption complaints filed with the ICAC. Inquiries revealed that certain site team leaders of the sub-contractor of the Third Runway Project had allegedly solicited and accepted illegal rebates from construction workers directly or through middlemen. Daily illegal rebates, ranging from $100 to over $400, were allegedly solicited and accepted from carpenters, bar-benders, riggers and casual labours.
The Airport Authority Hong Kong and the sub-contractor concerned have rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation. While enquiries are continuing, it is not appropriate for the ICAC to make further comments on the case.
The ICAC urges job seekers in the construction industry not to tolerate corruption. Should job seekers be asked to pay illegal rebates in exchange for their employment, they should report to the Commission immediately. The ICAC stresses that “customary practice” in the industry is not an excuse for bribery. Irrespective of the monetary value involved, both offering and acceptance of bribes constitute a breach of the law. The Commission will closely monitor the situation, and continue to take appropriate enforcement actions as well as assist the industry to devise corruption prevention measures and strengthen relevant education to curb the malpractice.
The arrested site team leaders were responsible for assigning tasks to construction workers at the Third Runway Project construction site. During the operation, a number of construction workers were interviewed and premises were searched.
The investigation arose from corruption complaints filed with the ICAC. Inquiries revealed that certain site team leaders of the sub-contractor of the Third Runway Project had allegedly solicited and accepted illegal rebates from construction workers directly or through middlemen. Daily illegal rebates, ranging from $100 to over $400, were allegedly solicited and accepted from carpenters, bar-benders, riggers and casual labours.
The Airport Authority Hong Kong and the sub-contractor concerned have rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation. While enquiries are continuing, it is not appropriate for the ICAC to make further comments on the case.
The ICAC urges job seekers in the construction industry not to tolerate corruption. Should job seekers be asked to pay illegal rebates in exchange for their employment, they should report to the Commission immediately. The ICAC stresses that “customary practice” in the industry is not an excuse for bribery. Irrespective of the monetary value involved, both offering and acceptance of bribes constitute a breach of the law. The Commission will closely monitor the situation, and continue to take appropriate enforcement actions as well as assist the industry to devise corruption prevention measures and strengthen relevant education to curb the malpractice.