The scandal came to light after a media report alleged that the project’s contract required the use of German-engineered “YTong” bricks. The subcontractor reportedly procured a similarly named product – “Beijing YiTong” – believed to have been made in mainland China.

The fakes were used in non-structural walls, which have since been ordered to be demolished.

UBlok, the exclusive licensed manufacturer of YTong products for the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, said its investigation into the companies behind the fake bricks included a site visit in June to Beijing Yitong Building Materials Company’s registered address.

It said there was no office building or staff at the site, which was “more like a deserted yard”.