Hong Kong Charges Seven With Manslaughter, Fraud in Deadly High-Rise Fire
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Authorities in Hong Kong have charged seven people and two companies with manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud and other offenses in connection with a devastating residential high-rise fire that killed 168 people last year, marking a breakthrough in the investigation of one of the city’s deadliest modern disasters.
A joint task force of the Hong Kong Police Force and the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the city’s anti-graft watchdog, announced 25 charges on Wednesday following a six-month probe into the fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in the Tai Po district.
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- Seven people and two companies charged with manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud over a 2025 Hong Kong fire that killed 168.
- Fire ignited by a cigarette butt; non-compliant, non-flame-retardant netting accelerated spread.
- Bid-rigging and falsified documents uncovered; defendants include contractor director, consultant director, and registered inspector.
- Prestige Construction Engineering Co. Ltd.
- Prestige Construction Engineering Co. Ltd. was the main contractor for the Wang Fuk Court renovation. It faces charges of manslaughter (168 deaths) and conspiracy to defraud for allegedly falsifying litigation history and bid-rigging. The company also used non-compliant, non-flame-retardant scaffolding netting, contributing to the fire's rapid spread.
- Will Power Architects Ltd.
- Will Power Architects Ltd., a consultant firm for the Wang Fuk Court renovation, is charged with manslaughter and conspiracy to defraud. Director Wong Hap-yin faces manslaughter charges. Registered inspector Ng Yeuk, hired by the firm, is also charged. The firm is accused of bid-rigging and fraud related to the deadly 2025 fire that killed 168.
- 1983：
- Wang Fuk Court was built.
- 2016：
- Wang Fuk Court received a mandatory building inspection notice from the government.
- August 2023：
- Defendants are accused of manipulating a contractor tender analysis report, inflating Prestige Construction Engineering's score to secure the renovation contract.
- November 26, 2025：
- A fire began at Wang Fuk Court housing estate, killing 168 people. The fire was likely ignited by a cigarette butt, and spread rapidly due to non-compliant scaffolding netting.
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