Five netted for allegedly forging concrete test reports at HD sites
2002-3-26
The ICAC yesterday (Monday) arrested five former laboratory technicians for allegedly forging test reports in relation to concrete used for Housing Department (HD)'s construction projects in Tin Shui Wai Area 110.
The ICAC's investigation originated from a corruption complaint, alleging that an employee of a laboratory appointed by HD might have obtained the corrupt assistance of HD staff in getting prior warnings of site inspections.
Enquiries revealed a scheme engineered by some staff members of a laboratory to submit false concrete test reports to deceive their employer and HD. So far, there is no evidence showing any corrupt involvement of government employees.
The five arrested in Operation " Rainbow" were previously employed by the laboratory engaged by HD to conduct slump tests on samples of the concrete used by the HD contractor at the sites, to ensure the workability of the concrete comply with the requirement prescribed by HD.
The test reports were first submitted to the contractor before being forwarded to HD.
It was alleged that between end of 1999 and June 2000, the arrestees had fabricated reports in relation to about 1/3 of the slump tests required for the above sites, without virtually conducting the tests.
In June 2000, when HD conducted surprise inspections at the sites, it was discovered that the laboratory's staff had failed to conduct any slump tests on the concrete delivered by two concrete mixers.
The arrestees, aged between 25 and 45, have been released on ICAC bail, pending further inquiries.
The ICAC's investigation originated from a corruption complaint, alleging that an employee of a laboratory appointed by HD might have obtained the corrupt assistance of HD staff in getting prior warnings of site inspections.
Enquiries revealed a scheme engineered by some staff members of a laboratory to submit false concrete test reports to deceive their employer and HD. So far, there is no evidence showing any corrupt involvement of government employees.
The five arrested in Operation " Rainbow" were previously employed by the laboratory engaged by HD to conduct slump tests on samples of the concrete used by the HD contractor at the sites, to ensure the workability of the concrete comply with the requirement prescribed by HD.
The test reports were first submitted to the contractor before being forwarded to HD.
It was alleged that between end of 1999 and June 2000, the arrestees had fabricated reports in relation to about 1/3 of the slump tests required for the above sites, without virtually conducting the tests.
In June 2000, when HD conducted surprise inspections at the sites, it was discovered that the laboratory's staff had failed to conduct any slump tests on the concrete delivered by two concrete mixers.
The arrestees, aged between 25 and 45, have been released on ICAC bail, pending further inquiries.