Two companies and seven individuals face a total of 25 charges, including manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud, attempting to pervert the course of public justice, and tax evasion. Structural engineering consultancy firm Will Power Architects and contractor Prestige Construction and Engineering have both been charged with manslaughter.

An independent inquiry found multiple safety failures that contributed to the disaster. Fire alarms in seven of the eight residential blocks had been deactivated, while windows were covered with flammable foam boards.

"On the day of the fire, nearly all fire safety systems meant to protect lives failed because of human factors," the inquiry's lead lawyer, Victor Dawes, told a public hearing earlier this year.

The three men also face corruption-related charges alongside four others, including Wong's wife and a friend. Investigators allege fraud in the renovation tender process and project supervision, money laundering, and efforts to obstruct the investigation by concealing a large sum of cash and pressuring a witness to provide false information.

The case has been adjourned until 2 September while investigations continue. Police said 35 people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and fraud, while Hong Kong's anti-corruption agency separately arrested 23 people connected to the project.

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