So far 10 defendants, including a former general manager and a former principal manager of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, were charged in relation to the scam, according to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Following the enforcement actions taken by the ICAC in mid-August last year in operation "Blizzard" against suspected corruption in relation to the runway projects, the ICAC arrested 32 individuals, including four officials of the Airport Authority.

The watchdog said the eight defendants who were charged today were released on bail, pending their appearance in the Eastern Magistrates' Courts this Friday for mention. Their cases will be transferred to the District Court for plea.

The 10 defendants, aged between 27 and 65, face a total of 15 charges – three of conspiracy for a public servant to accept advantages, two of conspiracy to offer advantages to a public servant, one of conspiracy to offer an advantage to an agent, eight of dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offence, and one of conspiracy to steal.

The investigation arose from a corruption complaint filed with the ICAC, which saw two individuals first charged with bribery following the enforcement actions taken by the ICAC in mid-August last year.

While corruption enquiries are continuing, the ICAC said it does not rule out further law enforcement actions and further prosecutions.