Ricky Lee Wing-fai, a former principal manager at Hong Kong’s Airport Authority, has pleaded guilty to accepting HK$3.3 million (US$423,200) in bribes and laundering over HK$5.6 million in illegal proceeds. The charges are connected to the billion-dollar third runway project at Hong Kong International Airport, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding the airport’s capacity by 50%.
Corruption Scheme Involving Ricky Lee Wing-fai at the Heart of Airport Expansion
The case against Ricky Lee Wing-fai has revealed a significant corruption scheme involving bribes from two subcontractors: Carol Engineering and Joint Field Engineering. As a geotechnical engineering specialist, Lee was responsible for overseeing the project’s reclamation work and the construction of the new concourse’s foundation.
Between March 2017 and December 2021, Ricky Lee Wing-fai accepted HK$2.5 million from Carol Engineering in exchange for helping the firm secure multiple contracts totaling HK$412 million. These contracts were integral to the third runway project, covering tasks such as the foundation and substructure works for the concourse, as well as additional filling for a sloping sea wall.
Joint Field Engineering paid Lee HK$800,000 to recommend their services to one of the project’s main contractors. This recommendation enabled Joint Field Engineering to win 17 deals worth HK$143 million between June 2019 and March 2021, involving the supply of sand and other materials necessary for the runway’s construction.
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Ricky Lee Wing-fai’s Family Ties and Additional Conspirators
While Ricky Lee Wing-fai has admitted his guilt, his wife, Diana Chan Kok-tan, who was initially charged with four counts of money laundering for allegedly handling Lee’s illicit gains, was granted an unconditional discharge. The decision came after prosecutors chose not to present any evidence against her.
The corruption, however, extended beyond Ricky Lee Wing-fai and his wife. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) discovered that Lee conspired with four individuals linked to Carol Engineering to split the profits from the project’s contracts. Carol Engineering had even secured a further contract worth HK$28 million for backfilling work before the ICAC exposed and thwarted the conspiracy.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentences
The sentencing of Ricky Lee Wing-fai has been postponed by Judge Eddie Yip Chor-man until the trial of his six alleged accomplices is completed. The accused include former Airport Authority general manager Yin Kek-kiong, Carol Engineering director Ng Kai-on, project manager Rob Liu Wai-lun, former Joint Field Engineering director Wong Bun-hon, and employee Wong Ching-ng. All six face bribery and money laundering charges but have yet to indicate their pleas.
Both conspiracy to accept an advantage and money laundering are severe offenses under Hong Kong law, punishable by up to seven years in prison at the District Court level. The outcome of this case will likely impact future handling of corruption in Hong Kong’s public-sector projects, especially those of significant scale.
The Third Runway Project and the Role of Ricky Lee Wing-fai
The third runway project at Hong Kong International Airport, valued at HK$141.5 billion, began in 2016 amid concerns over its environmental impact. The project encompasses a new 3.8 km (2.3-mile) runway that became operational in 2022, a second terminal building, and an additional concourse. Covering 650 hectares (1,606 acres), it aims to increase airport capacity by 50%, solidifying Hong Kong’s role as a major global aviation hub.
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However, the involvement of Ricky Lee Wing-fai in a corruption scandal has cast a shadow over the project, highlighting the need for more stringent oversight and governance in public infrastructure initiatives. The ICAC’s investigation into the bribery and money laundering practices has highlighted the importance of accountability and transparency in managing public funds.
Broader Implications for Hong Kong’s Public Sector
The case involving Ricky Lee Wing-fai is a reminder of the persistent issue of corruption in public-sector projects, even in a city like Hong Kong, which is known for its relatively low levels of corruption compared to other regions in Asia. The ICAC’s efforts in exposing this scandal reflect the necessity for robust anti-corruption measures and rigorous oversight to maintain public trust in government-led projects.
As Hong Kong awaits the verdicts of Ricky Lee Wing-fai and his co-defendants, the case serves as a critical test of the city’s judicial system and its commitment to transparency. The outcome may have significant implications for future policies and regulations, reinforcing the need for ethical practices in public administration and development.
With Hong Kong aiming to enhance its global standing as a hub for finance and trade, ensuring that its infrastructure projects are free from corruption is vital. The ongoing trial of Ricky Lee Wing-fai and his associates will likely set a precedent for how the city manages corruption in public works and addresses the challenges of maintaining integrity in its development efforts.
