Fourteen current and former colleagues of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have sued a health inspector in the High Court, seeking HK$28.91 million from a lottery prize of HK$33.12 million.
The plaintiffs’ writ says a senior colleague proposed group ticket purchases to build team spirit, with any winnings divided in proportion to each person’s contribution. An earlier HK$1,760 win was kept for future tickets, they say. On September 2, 2026, 15 people pooled HK$1,650 for tickets; their tickets won the prize in the September 5 draw. The plaintiffs calculate that the inspector’s share should have been about HK$4.21 million.
The plaintiffs allege that the inspector did not distribute the winnings, deleted ticket-related messages after the draw and told colleagues he could choose not to share the money. They claim he breached their agreement and seek HK$28.91 million, along with an injunction preventing him or his agents from disposing of the winnings.
Star Headline reported that the inspector had been arrested and released on bail pending investigation.