Anti-corruption watchdog charges ex-Johnson Cleaning execs over alleged bribes worth over HK$75m

Hong Kong’s anti-corruption watchdog has charged two former senior Johnson Cleaning Services executives who allegedly accepted bribes worth over HK$75 million.

William Fung, 54, former director of the firm and former chief executive officer of Johnson’s parent company, appeared at Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts on Monday alongside Jimmy Lee, 57, former general manager of Johnson.

💡 Under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, it is unlawful to disclose the details of investigations launched by the Independent Commission Against Corruption, or the identity of individuals involved, unless officially revealed.

Last Friday, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) charged the duo with one count of conspiracy for an agent to accept advantages.

The offence, under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance, carries a maximum jail term of three years and a fine of HK$100,000 upon a summary conviction at the magistrates’ court.

“At the time of the offence, Fung oversaw the business of Johnson, including subcontracts, purchase orders, and the release of payments. Lee was under the direct supervision of Fung,” the ICAC said in a statement on Monday. “Between November 2024 and January 2026, Johnson procured multiple fleets of cleaning vehicles from a supplier and regularly used the vehicle maintenance services provided by the supplier, with the total expenses exceeding HK$160 million.”

The charge alleged that the pair conspired to accept bribes from individuals, including the supplier’s proprietor, as a reward for them showing favour to the supplier.

The ICAC added that the company had rendered its full assistance.

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Tom founded Hong Kong Free Press in 2015 as the city's first crowdfunded newspaper. He has a BA in Communications and New Media from Leeds University and an MA in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong. He previously founded an NGO advocating for domestic worker rights, and has contributed to the BBC, Deutsche Welle, Al-Jazeera and others.

Tom leads HKFP – raising funds, managing the team and navigating risk – whilst regularly speaking on press freedom, ethics and media funding at industry events, schools and conferences around the world.