Bar Association proposes ‘double-track’ approach to criminalising bid-rigging

AI Summary

The Hong Kong Bar Association is proposing to criminalize bid-rigging under a new 'double-track' approach to the Competition Ordinance. This move aims to enhance deterrence and encourage whistleblowing in response to increased industry malpractice following a deadly fire.

The Hong Kong Bar Association has proposed criminalising bid-rigging by introducing a “double-track” approach to the Competition Ordinance, describing it as a quick fix to increase deterrence and encourage more whistle-blowers to expose industry malpractice following the city’s deadliest fire in decades. Under the current civil regime established in 2015, the ordinance only punishes individuals involved in serious anticompetitive acts, such as bid-rigging, with fines. But the new proposal calls...