Three men, including a 14-year-old middle school student, were arrested for posting comments about killing government officials and police officers, and selling weapons in online groups.
During the operation, the police seized a number of weapons such as gas masks, mask filters, tactical vests and air guns. The police pointed out that there was no evidence that the three arrested persons were acquainted. The 14-year-old middle school student has been released on bail, and the other two 22-year-old men Still being detained, relevant operations continue, and more arrests cannot be ruled out.
The police stressed that there is no evidence yet that the arrested persons committed crimes against July 1.
The police arrested three men yesterday (24th), who were involved in publishing remarks about killing government officials and police officers, and selling weapons in online groups.
(Photo by Huang Weimin)
Superintendent Tam Wai-sin of the Police Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (Technology Crime Division) explained the case this afternoon (25th) that the police have been conducting online patrols and intelligence gathering, and have noticed from time to time that some people are using online social platforms. Posting malicious remarks against government officials and police officers, inciting others to break the law and advocating violence, including inciting others to kill government officials and police officers.
Police have also noticed that some people advertise and sell weapons and items commonly used in illegal gatherings online, thus indirectly committing illegal acts.
22-year-old man arrested for posting remarks that killed government officials and police officers
Tan Weixin said that after an in-depth investigation by the police's cyber crime unit, a 22-year-old local man was suspected of posting remarks about the killing of government officials and police officers online.
As of yesterday (24th) morning, detectives arrested the 22-year-old man in Tin Shui Wai for "inciting others with intent to cause grievous bodily harm", he reported as a computer engineer.
During the operation, the detectives seized 2 mobile phones, 1 helmet, 1 tactical vest, 1 tactical belt and 13 air guns. The man was still detained.
Tan pointed out that according to the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, Chapter 221 of the laws of Hong Kong, the punishment for indictable offences (including conspiracy and incitement to commit a crime), any person convicted of inciting others to commit a certain crime can be sentenced to the maximum penalty for that crime life imprisonment.
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A 14-year-old middle school boy was arrested yesterday for selling weapons in an online group
Chief Inspector Liu Hao-tak of the Kowloon East Regional Crime Squad said that the police had earlier discovered that some people were selling weapons in online groups, including retractable batons, crochets, military knives, and equipment commonly used by demonstrators in the 2019 demonstrations, including gas masks and respirator filters.
After investigation, the police identified a 14-year-old youth involved in the case. He was a middle school student. Detectives arrested him yesterday (24th).
Jackknives, shields, armor, helmets, gas masks and multiple gas mask filters were found at the arrestee's residence.
Liu said the 14-year-old was arrested on suspicion of "possessing tools for unlawful purposes" and has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Liu Hao De pointed out that he will continue to investigate the case, including the buyer and other parties involved.
In addition, it will investigate whether anyone manipulates the relevant transactions.
According to the "possession of a tool for unlawful purpose" under the Summary Offences Ordinance, Chapter 228 of the Laws of Hong Kong, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for 2 years.
Possession and sale of weapons may violate the Weapons Ordinance, which carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison.
22-year-old man arrested for selling gas masks and canisters
Chief Inspector Zhang Jiarong of the Hong Kong Island Regional Crime Squad said that the police noticed that some people were selling gas masks and filter canisters on online trading platforms.
The man once posted on an online social platform inciting others to participate in an illegal assembly. The police believe that the items he sold were related to the illegal assembly.
The police locked the identity of the man and arrested the 22-year-old man in North Point District yesterday (24th) morning. He reported as a waiter and was arrested on the charge of "possessing a tool for unlawful purpose". During the operation, the police arrested the man. Two mobile phones were seized on his body, and seven helmets, 28 gas masks, 68 mask filters and six air guns were seized in his apartment.
The man is being detained.
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The police pointed out that in addition to committing the above crimes, the three arrested persons may violate the temporary restraining order issued by the High Court in 2019, which prohibits anyone from posting information online to incite others to use violence or threaten to use violence. still in effect.
Anyone who violates a temporary restraining order issued by the court may be guilty of contempt of court.
The police will continue to investigate and arrests are still ongoing, and more arrests cannot be ruled out.
Police: There is no evidence that the arrested person committed the "July 1" crime
When asked if the remarks were related to "July 1st", Tan Weixin pointed out that the police have been actively taking intelligence-led law enforcement actions, conducting online patrols around the clock, and will actively follow up when they find illegal acts.
The police stressed that there is no evidence that the arrested persons committed crimes against July 1.
The police continued to point out that the public's right to express opinions and freedom of speech are absolutely respected, but rights and freedoms are not absolute. Individual freedom of speech is constituted by the public fulfilling their corresponding legal responsibilities.
The law empowers citizens with associated legal responsibilities.
The police oppose and condemn anyone using online platforms to incite hatred and promote violence, and will not condone any illegal acts.
The police reiterated that the online world is not unreliable. If someone breaks the law, the police will continue to make every effort to bring the perpetrators to justice.
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