Hong Kong airport project subcontractor charged by ICAC for allegedly exploiting workers

Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency has charged an airport expansion project subcontractor for allegedly exploiting 21 imported workers by collecting part of their salaries worth more than HK$1 million (US$128,850).

The Independent Commission Against Corruption on Tuesday laid a charge of “conspiracy for an agent to accept advantages” against Chan Sin-tai, director and shareholder of Full Spirit Marble Factory.

According to the agency, Chan’s company was involved in recruiting mainland Chinese workers while Gammon Construction, the main contractor of the airport terminal two expansion project, applied for imported labour for its subcontractors.

With a daily wage of HK$1,350 for imported workers, the main contractor would pay them HK$29,700 for working 22 days every month.

The commission’s investigation found that Chan had allegedly informed the imported workers through their team leader that they only earned between HK$780 and HK$1,150 daily.

“[He allegedly] requested they return the difference between the daily wage according to the contract and the actual daily wage to Full Spirit, totalling over HK$1 million,” the commission said.

Between January and October last year, Chan was suspected of conspiring with a team leader of imported workers to accept bribes from 21 imported workers to secure employment.