The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and police on Wednesday announced that seven individuals and two companies have been charged with a total of 25 offences linked to last year’s fatal fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
The blaze spread through seven of the estate’s eight blocks and resulted in 168 deaths.
Joint investigation led to multiple charges
Following the incident, the ICAC and police established a joint investigation task force to examine the circumstances surrounding the fire.
In a statement issued by the task force, authorities said the charges were filed after an extensive investigation and legal advice from the Department of Justice.
The alleged offences include manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, attempting to pervert the course of justice and tax evasion.
Individuals linked to renovation project
The seven accused individuals held various positions in the major renovation project at Wang Fuk Court.
They include directors and a registered inspector from the consultancy firm involved in the project, as well as directors of the main contractor responsible for the renovation works.
Consultancy firm and contractor also charged
The two companies facing prosecution are the project consultancy firm and the main contractor associated with the renovation project.
Authorities said the charges stem from their investigation into matters connected with the deadly fire and the related renovation works.
