The ICAC has arrested 12 persons, including three Housing Department (HD) staff, for alleged conspiracy and bribery offences in connection with two HD housing projects in Fanling and Tin Shui Wai.

The arrested HD staff - two architects and an assistant clerk of works - were alleged to have received advantages from contractors and sub-contractors for lax site supervision or to facilitate the award of works or supply of building materials.

The nature of works awarded allegedly included mainly the installation of penetration fire stop system and carpark deck coating at a commercial centre.

The 12 persons, aged between 32 and 48, were netted in operation "Ambush" which began on Wednesday.

ICAC investigations revealed that the HD staff were alleged to have received advantages ranging from free trips to Macau and Thailand, lavish meals, to nightclub and prostitution services, covered through bogus receipts.

The two housing projects at the centre of the alleged bribery scam evolves around phases 1 and 2 of Yung Shing Court in Fanling and phases 5 and 7 of Tin Yuet Estate in Tin Shui Wai.

One of the arrested HD architects was tasked to supervise the Fanling project which comprises three phases, while another architect and the assistant clerk of works were responsible for part of the seven-phase Tin Shui Wai project.

The other nine arrestees were staff members of the main contractors, sub-contractors and material suppliers.

The HD and the main contractors have rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation.

All the arrested persons have been released on ICAC bail, pending further enquiries.