In 2025-26, Hong Kong's government received HK$2.1 billion (US$268.39 million) from fines, penalties, and forfeitures, nearly 26 percent more than initially forecast. The surge follows an increase in cigarette penalties and a rise in forfeitures. This income amounts to 0.3 percent of the government's total revenue.
Fines worth HK$2.1 billion (US$268.39 million) flowed into Hong Kong’s coffers in 2025-26, nearly 26 percent more than initially forecast, according to budget estimates analysed by the South China Morning Post. The amount was 25.8 percent or HK$442 million above the original estimate of HK$1.7 billion, with the government attributing the surge to bigger fines and “higher-than-expected” revenue from forfeiture cases.
The funds were primarily from court fines and forfeiture orders, statute penalties, forfeitures from breaches of contracts and agreements with the government, fixed fines for traffic offences, illegal parking and idling engines, as well as civil servant payments for disciplinary issues. Of the total, HK$762 million came from court fines and statutory penalties, which was HK$196 million more than the original estimate.
In response to an SCMP inquiry, a spokeswoman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said the amount received under “forfeitures” varied over the years depending on the number and nature of the cases, and “there has been no fixed pattern”.
The increase follows a rise in cigarette penalties and a surge in forfeitures, highlighting enforcement efforts in areas like road safety and dutiable commodities. While representing just 0.3 percent of total revenue, it underscores the role of penalties in bolstering government funds.