Seven individuals and two firms charged over Hong Kong fire that killed 168

Hong Kong authorities announced Wednesday that seven individuals and two construction firms will face 25 charges, including manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and tax evasion, in connection with the November 2025 fire that destroyed seven apartment buildings in Tai Po and killed 168 residents. The defendants include directors of consultancy firm Will Power Architects Company and Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., as well as a registered inspector from Will Power.

Senior police superintendent Basil Tang said investigators found serious negligence in monitoring construction materials and procedures, citing the use of non-fire-retardant scaffolding netting and foam boards that may have accelerated the blaze and blocked escape routes. > "The above work arrangements are suspected of seriously affecting the building's fire safety, causing the fire to spread rapidly, and also obstructing escape routes, resulting in massive casualties," Tang told reporters.

Hazel Law, principal investigator of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, indicated that further law-enforcement actions could follow. > "We suspect that some people, for their own personal gain, not only failed to fulfill their professional responsibilities, but even used suspected corrupt practices, fraud and other illegal acts to achieve their purposes," Law said.

Authorities allege that the two companies conspired to defraud Wang Fuk Court apartment owners by hiding prior litigation involving Prestige and inflating its tender rating, securing a renovation contract worth more than HK$300 million. They also face accusations of fraud against the government by falsely claiming that the Will Power inspector had overseen 86 building-maintenance projects. Police and the anti-corruption agency arrested 35 people while investigating the fire and related corruption concerns. The court hearing will continue in September.