Tsang Kai-wing

Zeng Qirong was born around 1920; his exact birthplace is not recorded. He worked in the Hong Kong police force and served as the head of the uniformed division at a Hong Kong police station. During his service he rose to the highest mid-level detective rank in the station, known in Chinese as “Hua Detective” (华探长), which is equivalent to the English rank of Major — effectively the commander of a police squadron.

Beyond his police career, Zeng was involved in football: he was a player for the Hong Kong Police football team and later served as its coach. He was also an executive member of the Chinese Footballers’ Association of Hong Kong. His athletic experience helped establish his sporting ability and teamwork reputation, enhancing his public image.

In his family life, his children include the well-known actor and producer Eric Tsang (曾志伟). Details about his wife have not been disclosed. Zeng lived primarily in Taipei, residing in a building in the Minsheng neighborhood. It was reported that he occasionally socialized with his old superior Lü Le and other former Hua Detectives while in Taipei.

On April 8, 1976, Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) issued an arrest warrant for Zeng in connection with a corruption case that involved several Hong Kong police officers. Zeng subsequently fled to Taiwan and settled in Taipei. Hong Kong authorities later confiscated his property in Kowloon in 2001; in 2005 the property was successfully auctioned for the equivalent of NT$16,000,000, marking the recovery of the asset.

Zeng lived a relatively low-profile life in Taiwan after retirement, spending time with old friends over tea and card games. His son Eric Tsang publicly expressed his remembrance of his father on multiple occasions. Zeng celebrated his 94th birthday and died in Taiwan on January 17, 2011. News of his death was announced by Eric Tsang by phone from Taiwan, and a memorial service was held in Hong Kong. During his life he was known both for his contributions to policing and sports and for the public attention generated by the corruption case.