Nine netted over alleged tampered soil test reports for highway project in North Lantau
2001-7-20
The ICAC has arrested nine persons for suspected corruption and deception in connection with the tampering of soil test reports in relation to a highway project in North Lantau.
The highway project included road pavement and slope work in North Lantau.
Arrested in an operation code-named "Blue Jade", which commenced on Wednesday (July 18), were a serving assistant supervisor, four serving and four former technicians of a laboratory.
The laboratory concerned was required to perform tests on soil samples obtained from various locations at the site to verify relative compaction and loading capacity, and submit relevant reports to the Buildings Department through the project's main contr actor and consultant.
It was alleged that the arrestees had corruptly tampered with such reports, in order to show that soil compaction or loading capacity at various locations at the construction site was up to the prescribed requirement.
Investigations revealed that majority of test reports submitted between 1998 and 1999 were allegedly forged, while data in some of the reports were suspected to have been altered to achieve a pass result.
Seven out of the nine arrestees have been released on ICAC bail, pending further inquiries. The remaining two were released unconditionally after being interviewed.
The highway project included road pavement and slope work in North Lantau.
Arrested in an operation code-named "Blue Jade", which commenced on Wednesday (July 18), were a serving assistant supervisor, four serving and four former technicians of a laboratory.
The laboratory concerned was required to perform tests on soil samples obtained from various locations at the site to verify relative compaction and loading capacity, and submit relevant reports to the Buildings Department through the project's main contr actor and consultant.
It was alleged that the arrestees had corruptly tampered with such reports, in order to show that soil compaction or loading capacity at various locations at the construction site was up to the prescribed requirement.
Investigations revealed that majority of test reports submitted between 1998 and 1999 were allegedly forged, while data in some of the reports were suspected to have been altered to achieve a pass result.
Seven out of the nine arrestees have been released on ICAC bail, pending further inquiries. The remaining two were released unconditionally after being interviewed.