7 people, 2 companies charged in link to Tai Po fire

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and police said seven people and two companies were charged on Wednesday with 25 offences linked to last year’s deadly fire in Tai Po. The blaze tore through seven of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court, claiming the lives of 168 people. The ICAC and police set up a joint investigation task force to look into the incident. In a statement from task force officers, charges including manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, attempting to pervert the course of justice, and tax evasion were filed following a thorough investigation and legal advice from the Department of Justice. The seven individuals — who held various roles in the major renovation project at Wang Fuk Court — include directors and a registered inspector from the project’s consultancy firm, as well as directors of the main contractor. The two companies now facing charges are the same project consultancy firm and the main contractor involved in the renovation work. Edited by Tony Sabine