Secretary for Security Chris Tang on Tuesday said officers from an interdepartmental task force on combating bid-rigging in building maintenance and renovation projects would proactively look for clues to prevent such activities.

Authorities have vowed to step up crackdowns on bid-rigging following the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire.

Proposed measures included the criminalisation of bid-rigging in relation to these projects, enabling a dual-track approach of both criminal and civil enforcement.

Authorities will also set up a joint task force that comprises officers from police, the ICAC and the Competition Commission to better coordinate law enforcement actions.

Speaking to lawmakers at a meeting of the Legislative Council’s Panel on Security and Panel on Economic Development, Tang said the task force's establishment could enable early intervention.

Tang said officers would adopt different tactics against bid-rigging, such as surveillance, undercover operations and the use of informants.

He added that the three agencies of the task force would also attend owners’ corporation meetings to look for suspicious activities, including people who hold many proxy votes or suspected triad members engaging in harassment or intimidation.

Officers would take enforcement actions when necessary, he added.

“If we notice any abnormal situations at the scene that violate the law, such as intimidation and blackmail, our law enforcement colleagues on site will take immediate action,” Tang said.

“Even if the situation is not serious enough to require enforcement action, if we notice signs that may point to hidden crimes, we will carry out investigations.”

Tang said the task force would consider a series of factors when deciding which projects would be prioritised for investigation.

“We will consider the impact of the projects, for example, projects conducted at large estates with a lot of residents and those involving a large amount of money, and if someone seeking to participate in bid-rigging has triad backgrounds – these are all factors we take into consideration.”

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau, meanwhile, told lawmakers that relevant legislative amendments to combat bid-rigging would be submitted to the legislature as soon as possible.


Edited by Aaron Tam