Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing investigation into a serious fire incident at Hong Kong's Mong Kok, highlighting issues of corruption and safety standards related to construction materials used in scaffolding [3][4]. Group 1: Investigation Details - A total of 12 individuals have been arrested, including engineering consultants, contractors, and scaffolding supervisors, as part of the corruption investigation [3]. - The investigation revealed that non-fire-resistant protective nets were used in the scaffolding, which were purchased in batches from a local supplier at a price of HKD 54 per roll for 2,300 rolls, covering approximately 75,000 square meters [3]. - Following a fire incident in Central in late October, individuals involved purchased 115 rolls of fire-resistant protective nets at HKD 100 per roll to replace the non-compliant nets, attempting to pass inspections [3]. Group 2: Testing and Compliance - Initial tests conducted on samples from the site indicated that while some samples met fire resistance standards, 7 out of 20 samples taken from harder-to-reach areas failed to meet the standards [4]. - The method employed by the perpetrators involved mixing compliant and non-compliant nets, placing the latter in areas only accessible to firefighters to evade detection [4]. - The government officials emphasized the deliberate nature of the crime and the commitment to pursue legal action against those responsible [4].

Core Points - The Hong Kong government is investigating a serious fire incident at the Mong Fuk Court, leading to the arrest of 12 individuals, including engineering consultants and contractors, for corruption related to the use of substandard protective nets [1][2] - The investigation revealed that the protective nets used did not meet fire-retardant standards, with evidence showing that 2,300 rolls of non-compliant nets were purchased at a price of HKD 54 per roll, totaling approximately 75,000 square meters [1] - In response to concerns about inspections following a fire incident in Central, the involved parties purchased 115 rolls of compliant nets at HKD 100 per roll, which were strategically placed to pass subsequent tests [1][2] Investigation Findings - Initial tests conducted on samples from the fire site indicated that 7 out of 20 samples did not meet fire-retardant standards, particularly those taken from hard-to-reach areas [2] - The government officials highlighted that the perpetrators mixed compliant and non-compliant nets to evade detection, indicating a premeditated effort to commit fraud [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong government is actively investigating the recent fire incident at Hong Fu Court, with a focus on the use of substandard building materials and potential corruption among contractors [1][2]. Group 1: Investigation Progress - A joint investigation team formed by the police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has arrested 14 individuals related to the case, with inquiries into manslaughter and corruption [1]. - The investigation revealed that the rapid spread of the fire was significantly linked to the use of non-fire-retardant materials, including flammable foam boards [1][2]. Group 2: Corruption Details - The ICAC commissioner disclosed that individuals involved purchased 2,300 rolls of non-compliant protective nets at a low price of HKD 54 per roll after a typhoon in July, enough to cover 100 buildings [2]. - To pass inspections, they bought a small quantity of compliant nets at HKD 100 per roll, strategically placing them to deceive inspectors [2]. Group 3: Government Response - The Hong Kong government is conducting a dual-track investigation and regulatory effort, with special inspections of 359 buildings undergoing external wall repairs and testing of 300 samples of protective nets [4]. - The government has emphasized that any violations discovered will be promptly addressed by law enforcement [4].

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong government is investigating a fire incident at Hong Fu Court, linking the rapid spread of the fire to the use of substandard construction materials by the contractor, including non-compliant protective nets and flammable foam boards [1][2]. Group 1: Investigation and Arrests - A joint investigation team formed by the police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has arrested 14 individuals related to the case, focusing on charges of manslaughter and corruption [1]. - The investigation revealed that the contractor used non-compliant materials to evade detection, placing compliant materials in visible areas while hiding the substandard ones in hard-to-reach locations [1]. Group 2: Corruption Details - The ICAC disclosed that individuals involved purchased 2,300 rolls of non-compliant protective nets at a low price of HKD 54 per roll after a typhoon in July, sufficient to cover hundreds of buildings [2]. - To pass inspections scheduled for late October, they bought a small quantity of compliant nets at HKD 100 per roll, installing them only in visible areas to deceive inspectors [2]. Group 3: Government Response - The Hong Kong government is conducting a dual-track investigation and regulatory effort, with the Buildings Department and the Housing Authority inspecting 359 buildings undergoing external wall repairs and collecting 300 samples for testing [2]. - The government aims to complete the testing by December 7 and has pledged to take immediate action against any violations found [2].