The ICAC has charged Zeng Chusong, a 52-year-old site team leader from subcontractor Billion Best (E&M) Engineering, with taking HK$75,100 in bribes from five imported electrical workers. Zeng, facing 10 counts of an agent accepting an advantage, appeared at Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts for the first mention of the case on Thursday morning. The ICAC alleges that between September and November, Zeng accepted ten bribes from the five workers in exchange for helping them get jobs on the Kai Tak Hospital project. Their daily pay was HK$1,300, and fearing they would lose their jobs, they paid Zeng between HK$9,000 and HK$23,600. China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong), the main contractor, had applied under the Labour Importation Scheme for quotas used by its subcontractors, including Zeng and the five workers. According to the ICAC, it maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and will continue to collaborate with the Development Bureau and other stakeholders to prevent the recurrence of similar crimes. A spokesman said that construction workers who are solicited for bribes in exchange for employment should refuse immediately and report it to the ICAC.
The ICAC’s charges against Zeng Chusong highlight the ongoing issue of corruption in Hong Kong’s construction industry, particularly concerning imported labor. Such incidents have raised concerns about the integrity of project management and the potential for non-Hong Kong workers to be vulnerable to corruption. As the ICAC emphasizes, maintaining transparency and accountability is crucial to prevent the exploitation of migrant workers and to ensure fair practices in construction projects. The case underscores the need for stricter oversight and enforcement of anti-corruption measures in the sector.
The latest charge against Zeng Chusong comes as part of a broader trend of prosecuting individuals involved in graft and bribery within Hong Kong’s construction industry. The ICAC’s actions reflect its commitment to upholding the law and ensuring fair play, especially in light of the complexities posed by the influx of foreign workers. This case serves as a warning for all parties involved in similar contracts to adhere strictly to ethical standards and to report any instances of corrupt practices promptly.