Investigator granted warrant to search Next Digital

An investigator appointed by the government to probe Next Digital’s financial affairs was on Tuesday granted a search warrant to enter the firm’s premises to collect information.

In July, the government used powers under the Companies Ordinance to launch the investigation, appointing senior accountant Clement Chan to head the probe.

In a statement, Chan’s office said it had had difficulty in obtaining information.

“All members of the board of directors of Next Digital resigned on 5 September 2021 and the inspector has since experienced difficulties in obtaining information as he feels necessary for the investigation on a timely manner,” it said.

The Financial Secretary Paul Chan said in July that the investigation was needed in the public interest, adding that he had “grave concerns” over potential mismanagement of the listed firm.

The investigation is expected to last six months and a report will be submitted to the government.

Next Digital closed its flagship Apple Daily newspaper in June after officials froze some of its assets.