ICAC arrests 30 for alleged corruption over Three-runway System Project
2022-8-18
An ICAC spokesperson today (August 18) confirmed that in an operation codenamed “Blizzard”, the Commission in the past two days had arrested a General Manager, a Principal Manager, a Senior Manager and a Senior Project Inspector employed by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (Airport Authority) on short-term contracts for its Three-runway System Project (3RS Project), as well as 26 persons who are staff members of main contractors, subcontractors and other persons, for alleged corruption over the awarding of works and material supplies contracts, and related administrative and financial arrangements.
During the operation, the ICAC searched the home premises and offices of the arrestees and seized some of the suspected bribes, including cash, luxury watches, fine wines and gold coins, etc.
The Hong Kong International Airport commenced the 3RS Project since 2016. A number of engineering professionals, including the four arrested Airport Authority staff, were employed on short-term contracts to assist in managing the project. They were responsible for handling various contracts of the project, including the main reclamation works and works for the new runway. Their duties included assisting in awarding and overseeing relevant works contracts and material supplies contracts, arranging related administrative and financial matters such as the provision of construction materials and releasing works payments.
The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint which alleged staff members of the Airport Authority of accepting advantages by abusing their official capacities in the 3RS Project.
ICAC enquiries revealed that in the past few years, alleged bribe payments, totalling a few millions, were deposited into the bank accounts of the arrested Principal Manager. It was alleged that his family members had assisted in depositing some of the payments.
Enquiries also revealed that on a number of occasions, the four arrested Airport Authority staff were treated to restaurants, night clubs and other entertainment establishments by staff members of the relevant main contractors and subcontractors.
The Airport Authority has rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation. The ICAC spokesperson noted that the corruption investigation concerned the awarding of works and material supplies contracts, as well as administrative and financial matters. ICAC enquiries did not reveal any issues involving the quality of works or specifications of materials. The Commission will continue to maintain close liaison with the Airport Authority.
The arrestees will be released on ICAC bail. While corruption enquiries are continuing, it is not appropriate for the ICAC to make further comments.
During the operation, the ICAC searched the home premises and offices of the arrestees and seized some of the suspected bribes, including cash, luxury watches, fine wines and gold coins, etc.
The Hong Kong International Airport commenced the 3RS Project since 2016. A number of engineering professionals, including the four arrested Airport Authority staff, were employed on short-term contracts to assist in managing the project. They were responsible for handling various contracts of the project, including the main reclamation works and works for the new runway. Their duties included assisting in awarding and overseeing relevant works contracts and material supplies contracts, arranging related administrative and financial matters such as the provision of construction materials and releasing works payments.
The ICAC investigation arose from a corruption complaint which alleged staff members of the Airport Authority of accepting advantages by abusing their official capacities in the 3RS Project.
ICAC enquiries revealed that in the past few years, alleged bribe payments, totalling a few millions, were deposited into the bank accounts of the arrested Principal Manager. It was alleged that his family members had assisted in depositing some of the payments.
Enquiries also revealed that on a number of occasions, the four arrested Airport Authority staff were treated to restaurants, night clubs and other entertainment establishments by staff members of the relevant main contractors and subcontractors.
The Airport Authority has rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation. The ICAC spokesperson noted that the corruption investigation concerned the awarding of works and material supplies contracts, as well as administrative and financial matters. ICAC enquiries did not reveal any issues involving the quality of works or specifications of materials. The Commission will continue to maintain close liaison with the Airport Authority.
The arrestees will be released on ICAC bail. While corruption enquiries are continuing, it is not appropriate for the ICAC to make further comments.