Hong Kong charges 7 people and 2 firms over massive fire that killed 168

Key Points:

• Hong Kong authorities charged seven individuals and two building companies with manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud, and other offenses related to the deadliest fire in the city in decades, which killed 168 people in November 2025.
• The charges stem from negligence and alleged corrupt practices during a major renovation project at Wang Fuk Court, where the fire occurred; issues included the use of non-fire-retardant materials that exacerbated the fire's spread and obstructed escape routes.
• The defendants include directors of consultancy firm Will Power Architects and contractor Prestige Construction & Engineering, along with a registered inspector, all accused of serious lapses in monitoring renovation procedures and materials.
• Authorities allege the accused conspired to defraud apartment owners by concealing litigation records and inflating tender scores, leading to Prestige securing a HKD 300 million renovation contract, and also defrauded the government regarding building inspection duties.
• The investigation led to 35 arrests, and officials indicated that further law enforcement actions are possible as inquiries continue into the fire's causes and related corruption.