Hong Kong arrests 21 for corruption in building renovation crackdown

Hong Kong's anti-graft agency arrested 21 people on suspicion of corruption in relation to renovation work at two residential estates, it said on Friday.



Hong Kong has stepped up a crackdown on corruption linked to building renovation following a fire in late November that ripped through seven high-rise towers and killed more than 160 people.



John Lee, the city's leader, last month set up an independent committee to investigate the fire and the construction industry, and determine whether ‍there was any bid-rigging in the award of contracts.



The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) said in a statement it conducted enforcement operations last week against a triad-linked corruption syndicate associated with building renovation.



The 21 arrested included middlemen, project consultants, project contractors and members of the owners' corporation of the two housing estates, the agency added.