Hong Kong lift contractor under probe for fraud over missing fire-safety frames

A Hong Kong contractor is under criminal investigation for suspected fraud after authorities found it had failed to install fire-resistant door frames in about 90 per cent of the lifts it installed, with preliminary evidence also pointing to serious negligence and misconduct.

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) said on Monday that Taizoom Elevator was suspected of fraud and making false statements.

The department reported the case to police on October 16, and a criminal investigation is under way.

Director Pun Kwok-ying said a total of 720 lifts installed by Taizoom across two residential estates, comprising 11 blocks and 338 private buildings, were found to lack the required door frame components, accounting for roughly 90 per cent of all lifts the company installed.

These components are designed to seal gaps between lift doors and their frames to prevent flames and smoke from entering the shaft in the event of a fire.

Pun said random checks on lifts installed by other registered contractors had so far found no similar problems.

As of Sunday, the department had inspected about 900 lifts in 480 buildings and confirmed all had the required components installed.

The department has ordered Taizoom to complete remedial works at the two estates by mid-November, with repairs to the remaining private buildings expected to take two to three months.