CHINA

Hong Kong Cracks Down on Construction Corruption Following Deadly Fire

Published: Jan. 9, 2026 11:18 a.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

On Jan. 6, the Lands Tribunal of the Hong Kong SAR issued an order to dissolve the Management Committee of the Incorporated Owners of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po and appointed Hop On Management Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Chinachem Group, as the administrator. Photo: VCG

Hong Kong authorities have stepped in to take control of a residential complex devastated by a deadly fire and launched a broad crackdown on syndicate-linked corruption in the building-maintenance sector.

The moves come as the city grapples with the aftermath of a blaze at Tai Po’s Hong Fuk Court late last year that killed 161 people. On Tuesday, the Lands Tribunal ordered the dissolution of the estate’s owners’ corporation management committee, appointing Hop On Management Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Chinachem Group, to take over the complex’s affairs.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

Hong Kong authorities took control of Hong Fuk Court after a deadly fire killed 161 people; Hop On Management was appointed to manage reconstruction.
The ICAC arrested 21 people in a crackdown on corruption and bid-rigging in building maintenance, involving triad-linked syndicates.
Survivors petitioned for on-site reconstruction; resettlement options are under review, with a full rebuild potentially taking over five years.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Hop On Management Co. Ltd.: Hop On Management Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Chinachem Group, has been appointed by the Lands Tribunal to manage Hong Fuk Court following a deadly fire. This decision was made due to the company's ample resources, professional experience, and capacity to handle the complex post-disaster reconstruction, unlike the previous volunteer committee. Their responsibilities include auditing accounts and analyzing legal liabilities related to service contracts.

Chinachem Group: Chinachem Group, through its subsidiary Hop On Management Co. Ltd., has been appointed to manage Hong Fuk Court after a deadly fire. This decision by the Lands Tribunal highlighted Chinachem's resources and professional experience, deemed essential for the complex post-disaster reconstruction and auditing tasks.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When

November 2025：: A deadly fire occurred at Hong Fuk Court in Tai Po, killing 161 people and leaving 10 others hospitalized.

December 2025：: Michael Wong, the deputy financial secretary, outlined five resettlement options for Hong Fuk Court residents, including the purchase of government-subsidized housing and public rental unit relocation.

By January 2, 2026：: The ICAC arrested 21 people in connection with a corruption syndicate involved in building maintenance projects in the Kwun Tong district.

January 6, 2026：: The Lands Tribunal ordered the dissolution of the Hong Fuk Court owners’ corporation management committee and appointed Hop On Management Co. Ltd. to take over management. On the same day, 207 survivors petitioned the government for in-situ reconstruction.

AI generated, for reference only