The ICAC has arrested 27 persons, including a regional manager of a chained hot pot restaurant, as well as 14 chefs and employees of nine other restaurants, for allegedly accepting advantages from various food suppliers for placing purchasing orders and c onniving at the poor quality of goods supplied.

The arrests were made in an ICAC operation code-named "Swift Horse", which commenced on Monday (August 6), following an investigation arising from complaints alleging corruption in the catering industry.

The arrestees included a regional manager, a chief warehouse supervisor, a chief chef, a former chef and a former "dim sum" master of the chained hot pot restaurant.

Also arrested in the operation were 14 chefs and purchasing staff of nine other restaurants, as well as eight operators and employees of seven food companies supplying frozen seafood, beef and tea leaves to the above catering establishments.

ICAC investigations revealed that the arrested employees of those restaurants concerned had allegedly accepted advantages from various suppliers.

The alleged advantages were said to have included cash payments, deposits into individuals' bank or telebet accounts, and nightclub entertainment.

In return, the restaurant staff had allegedly placed orders with those suppliers, and connived at inflated invoices and substandard goods delivered.

Enquiries are continuing.