FS gives direction to terminate investigation into affairs of Next Digital Limited under Section 845(1) of Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622)
The Government spokesman said today (August 5) that, pursuant to section 845(1)(a) of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), the Financial Secretary has directed the Inspector to terminate the investigation into the affairs of Next Digital Limited (NDL). The term of office of the Inspector expired on July 27, 2026.
The Financial Secretary noted that over the past period:
(i) Pursuant to the Companies Ordinance and the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32), the Court of First Instance of the High Court granted a winding-up order against NDL on December 15, 2021. The relevant liquidation is now underway;
(ii) The listing of NDL’s shares was cancelled by the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited pursuant to the Listing Rules on January 12, 2023;
(iii) A number of former senior officers of NDL were convicted of offences endangering national security and sentenced to imprisonment by the Court of First Instance on December 15, 2025 and February 9, 2026; and
(iv) Three subsidiaries of NDL were convicted and fined by the Court of First Instance in the above criminal case. On March 24, 2026, the Chief Executive-in-Council, pursuant to Article 31 of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance, ordered them to be struck off the Companies Register, and the three subsidiaries were dissolved forthwith accordingly.
Having carefully reviewed the above circumstances and all relevant factors, the Financial Secretary considered that it is no longer necessary to continue the investigation into the affairs of NDL and hence directed the Inspector to terminate the investigation pursuant to section 845(1)(a) of the Companies Ordinance.
The Financial Secretary said, "As an international financial centre, Hong Kong possesses a corporate governance regime that is sound, efficient and aligned with international standards. Companies in Hong Kong, particularly listed companies, generally adhere to high standards of corporate governance. The governance and financial problems of NDL, as well as the unlawful acts committed by its senior officers exploiting corporate vehicles, represented only an isolated incident. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)Government, regulatory bodies and the business community will continue to work together to ensure that Hong Kong consistently adheres to its internationally acclaimed corporate culture and high standards of corporate governance, maintains a high-quality, fair and efficient market, and remains steadfast in safeguarding its status and reputation as an international financial and commercial centre."
The spokesman said, "The HKSAR Government expresses its gratitude to Mr Clement Chan Kam-wing for his exemplary professional competence and high degree of professionalism during his tenure as the Inspector. Mr Chan upheld the principles of objectivity and impartiality, and faithfully discharged his duties with dedication and distinction. The HKSAR Government extends its sincere appreciation to Mr Chan and his team."
Source: AI-found images
DH cracks down on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine
The Department of Health (DH) today (August 5) conducted operations across multiple districts in Hong Kong to crack down on the illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine, seizing approximately 100 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese. Additionally, a man was arrested on suspicion of violating the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138) (the Ordinance).
The DH received a report that pain relief medicine classified as Part 1 poisons under the Ordinance were being sold or possessed on the market. However, the products were labelled in Japanese and were suspected of not being registered in Hong Kong. Hence, the DH officers today conducted unannounced inspections in various districts, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, Sheung Shui and Yuen Long. At an Authorized Seller of Poisons (ASP), commonly known as a pharmacy, a Listed Seller of Poisons (LSP) commonly known as a medicine company and two retail outlets, DH officers seized approximately 100 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese and did not bear a Hong Kong pharmaceutical product Registration Number. They are suspected to be medicine containing "Ibuprofen" and "dihydrocodeine". A 38-year-old man was arrested by the police on suspicion of contravention of drug-related offences, including, illegal possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part 1 Poisons.
The DH will continue to investigate and follow-up on the case, and will prosecute other individuals involved in the case when sufficient evidence is available.
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killer and its side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort and peptic ulcers. Dihydrocodeine is an opioid analgesic used as a cough suppressant and for pain relief, and its side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation and drowsiness. Medicines containing Ibuprofen and dihydrocodeine are Part 1 poisons and should only be supplied by a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist or upon the advice of a medical practitioner.
The DH has an established mechanism to monitor the sale of pharmaceutical products in the market (including the Internet). If the DH detects any suspected illegal sale or possession of pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons, the DH will promptly investigate, and, if necessary, refer the case to other law enforcement agencies to follow up, or conduct joint operations with other law enforcement agencies, and any irregularities so found will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences under the Ordinance, which upon conviction, are subject to a fine of up to $100,000 and an imprisonment for two years.
According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. The DH reminded the public that all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of "HK-XXXXX". The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.
The DH strongly urged members of the public to consult healthcare professionals before consuming any medication. Do not self-purchase or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources as their safety, quality and efficacy are unguaranteed. The DH has prepared some safety information for consumers regarding the purchase and use of medicines, namely Be Cautious when Buying Medicines on Internet, General Knowledge on Registered Medicines, Be Cautious When Buying Medicines Overseas.
DH cracks down on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
DH cracks down on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
