Hong Kong charges 7 people, 2 firms in deadly 2025 fire
8 reported
Hong Kong authorities on Wednesday charged seven people and two building companies with offenses including manslaughter and conspiracy to defraud over the city's deadliest fire in decades. The blaze engulfed seven apartment buildings and killed 168 people on Nov. 26, 2025, in the Wang Fuk Court complex in the Tai Po district. Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption charged the suspects with 25 counts including money laundering, attempting to pervert the course of public justice, and tax evasion. The two companies charged are consultancy firm Will Power Architects Company and Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., the main contractor for a renovation project underway when the fire occurred. Senior police superintendent Basil Tang said those in charge of the renovation were seriously negligent in monitoring materials, citing non-fire-retardant scaffolding netting and foam boards. Principal investigator Hazel Law said authorities suspect some people used corrupt practices, fraud, and other illegal acts for personal gain. The defendants told the court they understood the charges, and the hearing will resume in September.
What’s reported
Seven people and two companies were charged on Wednesday.
Charges include manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, attempting to pervert the course of public justice, and tax evasion.
The fire occurred on Nov. 26, 2025, killing 168 people and engulfing seven apartment buildings.
The two companies charged are Will Power Architects Company and Prestige Construction & Engineering Co.
Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption arrested 35 people during the investigation.
Senior police superintendent Basil Tang cited use of non-fire-retardant scaffolding netting and foam boards.
Principal investigator Hazel Law said authorities suspect corrupt practices and fraud for personal gain.
The hearing will resume in September.
Key figures
Basil Tang, senior police superintendent
Hazel Law, principal investigator of the Independent Commission Against Corruption
Ng Yeuk, director of Will Power Architects Company
Wong Hap-yin, director of Will Power Architects Company
Ho Kin-yip, director of Prestige Construction & Engineering Co.
Sources: abcnews.com
