HK Bar Association Proposes Criminal Penalties for Bid-Rigging
The Hong Kong Bar Association has proposed a significant amendment to the Competition Ordinance by introducing a 'double-track' approach to criminalize bid-rigging. Currently, the 2015 civil regime only imposes fines on individuals involved in serious anticompetitive acts. The new proposal suggests establishing a separate criminal track with a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. Association Chairman Jose-Antonio Maurellet described this measure as a quick fix designed to increase deterrence and encourage whistleblowers to expose industry malpractice. This initiative follows the tragic Tai Po fire in November 2025, which claimed 168 lives and displaced nearly 5,000 residents, raising concerns about construction safety and potential collusion. The association's task force reviewed local legislation and international practices to formulate this recommendation. Maurellet noted that adding a criminal track requires less consultation than a complete overhaul of the ordinance. The proposal aims to work alongside the existing civil track to strengthen enforcement against anti-competitive behaviors in Hong Kong's construction and related industries.
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HK Bar Association Proposes Criminal Penalties for Bid-Rigging
The Hong Kong Bar Association has proposed a significant amendment to the Competition Ordinance by introducing a 'double-track' approach to criminalize bid-rigging. Currently, the 2015 civil regime only imposes fines on individuals involved in serious anticompetitive acts. The new proposal suggests establishing a separate criminal track with a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. Association Chairman Jose-Antonio Maurellet described this measure as a quick fix designed to increase deterrence and encourage whistleblowers to expose industry malpractice. This initiative follows the tragic Tai Po fire in November 2025, which claimed 168 lives and displaced nearly 5,000 residents, raising concerns about construction safety and potential collusion. The association's task force reviewed local legislation and international practices to formulate this recommendation. Maurellet noted that adding a criminal track requires less consultation than a complete overhaul of the ordinance. The proposal aims to work alongside the existing civil track to strengthen enforcement against anti-competitive behaviors in Hong Kong's construction and related industries.
News - South China Morning Post