Author: Cheung Wai-Man

A part-time auxiliary police officer in Hong Kong, who is also employed as a truck driver, has been released on bail following his arraignment on a charge of common assault against his wife. The accused, Adnan Mohammad, 28, appeared before the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday, December 10, to face allegations stemming from an incident that reportedly occurred at a public housing estate in Wong Tai Sin earlier this year.

The assault charge specifically relates to an alleged incident on July 20, 2025, at Lok On House within the Tsz Lok Estate on Wan Wah Street. During the initial court proceedings, the Magistrate granted an adjournment until February 4, 2026, granting the defense team necessary time to collate and scrutinize relevant case files and evidence.

Bail and Conduct Requirements Detailed

Mohammad was released on bail set at HK$1,500, subjected to stringent conditions aimed at ensuring public safety and the integrity of the judicial process. He is mandated to remain at his stated residence and must immediately notify the police of any change in his address. Crucially, the court explicitly prohibited any form of direct or indirect contact between Mohammad and the prosecution’s witnesses pending the conclusion of legal proceedings.

The officer’s primary employment is reportedly as a truck driver, supplemented by his role as a part-time auxiliary constable. The Hong Kong Police Force confirmed that Mohammad is attached to the Hung Hom auxiliary unit.

Concurrent with the ongoing investigation and criminal proceedings, the police force has exercised its authority to suspend Mohammad from all official duties. This internal action aligns with the force’s published zero-tolerance policy regarding staff misconduct.

Police Stress Zero Tolerance for Misconduct

In response to the charges involving one of its personnel, the police emphasized its strict standards concerning the professional and personal conduct of all officers, whether full-time or auxiliary. A statement confirmed the seriousness with which misconduct allegations are handled, noting that unlawful behavior by any member of the force will not be tolerated.

Auxiliary police officers perform crucial supportive roles across various operational and policing functions in Hong Kong, primarily on scheduled shifts, and are held to the same high standards of conduct as their regular counterparts. The outcome of the February hearing and subsequent trial will determine the legal consequences of the alleged domestic incident.

This case serves as a high-profile reminder that while auxiliary personnel contribute significantly to community safety, their professional integrity is expected to extend beyond their official duties, and legal accountability applies equally to all members of the community, regardless of occupation. The situation highlights the challenge faced by law enforcement agencies in balancing the need for public confidence with the operational demands of maintaining a large force.

The CupNoodles Museum in Hong Kong, a celebrated destination for food enthusiasts and families since its debut, has confirmed it will permanently cease operations on January 11, 2026. After nearly four years in operation, the brand’s sole international outpost—located in China Hong Kong City, Tsim Sha Tsui—is preparing for its “next stage of development,” according to a statement released on the museum’s official website.

The attraction, renowned for its interactive experiences centered on the history of instant ramen, is marking its departure with a final clearance sale of Nissin merchandise and snacks, with prices starting from HK$8.

Interactive Legacy and Visitor Impact

Opening its doors in March 2021, the Hong Kong museum quickly established itself as a draw for both local families and international tourists. The venue was patterned after its larger counterparts in Osaka and Yokohama, Japan, though it was the brand’s only site outside of its home country.

A particular highlight of the museum was the “My CupNoodles Factory” experience. Visitors were invited to customize their own instant ramen cup, participating in the entire creation process: decorating the packaging, selecting one of several soup bases, and choosing unique toppings. This process famously allowed for over 5,000 distinct flavor combinations, serving as a genuinely creative culinary workshop. Furthermore, the museum offered a separate, intensive program where participants could learn to make Demae Ramen entirely from scratch, beginning with the fundamental step of kneading the dough.

Mixed Reactions to the Closure

The announcement has generated considerable discussion online, with many expressing regret over the loss of a major family-friendly recreation spot. Social media users fondly recalled first visits and the novelty of the interactive exhibits.

However, amidst the disappointment, some visitors offered critiques that may shed light on the closure. Feedback often suggested that the attraction did not strongly encourage repeat visits. Comparative analyses with the Japanese branches were common, with some lamenting that the Tsim Sha Tsui location felt less comprehensive or spacious. Logistical concerns were also raised, with some locals and travelers deeming the location inconvenient compared to other major tourist hubs.

Final Opportunities for Memorabilia

Before the mid-January shutdown, the museum is offering significant final promotions. These clearance events feature discounted bundles and a variety of limited-edition items, providing visitors with a final opportunity to acquire exclusive Nissin-branded memorabilia and merchandise. The reduced prices (some beginning at less than HK$10) are designed to clear inventory and offer supporters one last chance to engage with the brand’s temporary presence in the city.

The closure of the Hong Kong museum concludes a significant chapter for the iconic instant ramen brand’s global experiential marketing efforts. While the official statement hints at future developments, fans of the brand’s history and interactive culinary exhibits will now have to plan visits to the original museums in Osaka or Yokohama to replicate the unique experience.

The Hospital Authority (HA) in Hong Kong has suspended a subcontractor, Novox Limited, and initiated a police referral following the discovery of suspected forged calibration certificates essential for safety monitoring equipment at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) expansion project. The incident, centered around the redevelopment of the PMH Lai King Building, came to light after the HA’s internal verification checks confirmed that certification documents submitted by the subcontractor had not been issued by the named testing institution, raising serious concerns about construction integrity and contractual compliance.

The investigation began when the HA responded to media inquiries on November 18, following notification earlier on October 27 that Bewis Sensing Technology, a supplier, had terminated its contractual relationship with Novox Limited. The HA’s main contractor, China Railway Construction Group, facilitated the submission of the documents in question. Specific internal verification revealed that five calibration certificates, crucial for vibration monitoring equipment, were falsified, including four dated October 28, 2025, and one dated November 25, 2024. Formal confirmation on December 8, relayed via the main contractor, solidified the suspicion of forgery when the named issuing body, Guangdong Zhongzhenghang Metrology and Testing Co Ltd., denied authorship.

Monitoring Integrity is Crucial

Vibration monitoring is a mandatory safeguard during all hospital construction and expansion projects. This protocol ensures that building activities do not disrupt delicate clinical services or compromise patient care. Contractors are obligated to recalibrate monitoring equipment annually and provide valid, accredited certification to confirm data accuracy. While the HA maintains that safety sensors are primarily precautionary, equipment must be fully reliable.

Despite the serious contractual breach, a preliminary assessment indicated no impact on patient safety or ongoing clinical services at PMH. The HA emphasized that operational protocols, including the use of supplementary handheld monitoring instruments and a zero-tolerance policy where any staff report of significant vibration prompts an immediate work stoppage, have maintained service continuity. No service suspensions explicitly linked to construction vibration have been reported in the preceding six months.

Authority Takes Decisive Action

In response to the alleged fraud, the HA immediately instructed all relevant main contractors to appoint independent, accredited professional testing centers to recalibrate all affected vibration monitoring devices and secure fresh certification. Furthermore, the Authority reserved all legal rights concerning breaches of construction contracts and confirmed its intent to recover any losses incurred.

Since Novox Limited is engaged in vibration monitoring across several major hospital projects—including Kwong Wah, Our Lady of Maryknoll, Grantham, and North District Hospitals—the HA has initiated a comprehensive, system-wide audit. The scope involves:

• Full audit and trace of all works and services provided by Novox Limited across all healthcare projects.
• Re-verification of every testing certificate submitted by the company to date.
• Scrutiny of all monitoring data and upload processes.

The HA reiterated its uncompromising zero-tolerance policy toward fraud, affirming that the confirmed forgery warrants referral to the police for criminal investigation. This incident underscores the critical necessity of stringent oversight and verification processes within public infrastructure projects to protect both the integrity of contracts and the safety environment of critical healthcare facilities.

Hong Kong Police Force leadership suspended the rigorous selection process for its elite Special Duties Unit (SDU) following the death of a dedicated officer who lost consciousness during a water-based exercise off Lamma Island last week. The 31-year-old Senior Inspector, with nine years of service and currently an instructor at the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) Headquarters, succumbed to his injuries at Princess Margaret Hospital on December 10, 2025, after suffering a medical emergency during the advanced assessment.

Officer Dies Following Emergency Training Incident

The incident occurred around noon last Thursday, December 4, when the officer was participating in the advanced SDU selection, which incorporates demanding physical components, including jump, swim, and dive segments, near Lamma Island. According to police reports, after successfully completing a challenging sea jump component, the candidate surfaced but immediately reported feeling unwell before losing consciousness. He was rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital, where surgeons performed emergency brain surgery. Despite receiving intensive care while remaining in critical condition for nearly a week, the officer passed away, marking a heartbreaking loss for the force.

Superintendent of Police Joe Chow visited the hospital shortly after the incident to receive firsthand updates on the officer’s condition and provide support to the family and unit colleagues.

The Hong Kong Police Force confirmed the tragic outcome and immediately extended its deepest condolences to the officer’s family. They pledged to offer comprehensive assistance and support during this difficult time. Recognizing the profound risk inherent in such training, police management emphasized that the safety and well-being of its personnel remain paramount.

Review Launched into Selection Procedures

In the wake of the tragedy, the force has taken immediate action to review its high-stakes training protocols.

• Suspension: All relevant SDU selection procedures have been temporarily suspended.
• Safety Review: A comprehensive internal review has been initiated to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident.
• Preventive Measures: The objective of the review is to identify any potential weaknesses and implement necessary changes to prevent similar devastating incidents during future selections for the SDU, often referred to as the “Flying Tigers.”

The SDU selection process is notoriously demanding, designed to test candidates’ physical and psychological endurance under immense stress. The advanced course typically filters candidates down to the select few deemed capable of operating in the unit’s high-risk counter-terrorism and maritime intervention roles.

The passing of this experienced officer, who dedicated himself to police training and sought to join the force’s most specialized unit, underscores the inherent dangers faced by officers even during rigorous preparation exercises. The outcome of the force’s safety review is highly anticipated, as it will determine the necessary modifications to ensure these essential, yet hazardous, operational training programs meet the highest possible safety standards moving forward. The police management reiterated its unwavering focus on operational excellence while maintaining officer safety as the foremost priority.

A Raya Airways freighter successfully completed its flight and landed without incident at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on Wednesday afternoon, despite reports of a potential wing malfunction. The safe arrival triggered a partial standby response from emergency services but resulted in zero injuries or damage.

The flight, identified as TH 6824, originated from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). Operated by a cargo variant of the Airbus A321, the aircraft departed BKI at approximately 1:47 p.m. local time and landed in Hong Kong around 5:07 p.m.

Emergency Response and Operational Integrity

Before the aircraft’s scheduled arrival, airport authorities were alerted to a potential technical issue involving one of the aircraft’s wings. While specific details regarding the nature of the suspected malfunction remain undisclosed, standard operating procedures mandated a robust contingency plan.

Upon notification, a significant contingent of Airport Fire and Rescue Services was mobilized. These teams transitioned into a state of partial operational standby, a proactive measure ensuring immediate intervention capacity should the landing be compromised. This procedure is common practice globally when aircraft report technical difficulties or require priority clearance.

According to airport officials, the crew executed a standard approach and landing, managing the situation professionally and effectively. The aircraft reached the gate safely, negating the need for emergency intervention by the deployed ground crews. The prioritization of safety margins and immediate deployment of resources underscores the aviation industry’s non-negotiable commitment to redundancy and preparedness, even for perceived threats.

Focus on Cargo Operations

Raya Airways, a well-known Malaysian cargo carrier, frequently operates regional air freight services, connecting key logistical hubs across Asia. The Airbus A321 freighter is gaining popularity among cargo operators for its efficiency and medium-haul capabilities, bridging the gap between smaller narrow-bodies and larger wide-body freighters.

Immediate Implications and Next Steps:

• Investigation: Aviation safety personnel are now expected to conduct a thorough technical inspection of the aircraft to pinpoint the exact cause and extent of the reported wing issue.
• Maintenance: The aircraft will likely undergo maintenance checks and necessary repairs before being cleared to return to active service, adhering to stringent safety protocols set by international aviation bodies.
• Operational Review: Both the airline and HKIA will review the communication and handling of the incident to identify any potential improvements in emergency preparedness and air traffic coordination.

This safe conclusion validates the effectiveness of the extensive safety training and standardized procedures utilized by both aircrew and airport ground services. Such incidents, while stressful, highlight the sophisticated infrastructure in place at major international hubs like HKIA designed to manage and mitigate potential aviation risks successfully. The rapid, organized response ensured the incident had minimal impact on overall airport operations.

Hong Kong authorities are rapidly advancing complex recovery and support operations in the wake of the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, emphasizing structural safety, financial relief, and expedited rehousing for thousands of displaced residents. Coordinated efforts across multiple government bureaus and departments are focused on debris removal, critical structural repairs, comprehensive financial aid disbursements, and establishing stringent new construction safety regulations to prevent future catastrophes.

Structural Recovery and Safety Overhaul

The challenging phase of post-fire structural stabilization has begun, spearheaded by the Housing Department and the Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit (ICU). Starting Friday, December 12, the burned, external scaffolding surrounding Wang Cheong, Wang Tai, and Wang Sun Houses is scheduled for removal in coordination with the Police. Concurrently, the ICU is working on severely affected units by performing concrete wall grouting and installing temporary propping for compromised floor slabs, ensuring immediate structural integrity where required.

In response to potential issues surrounding construction material compliance, the Buildings Department (BD), after confirming the removal of all external scaffold nets as previously ordered, announced a significant new regulatory framework. This regime mandates on-site sampling and third-party certification of all scaffold nets prior to installation, aiming to allow essential façade repair works to resume promptly while enhancing overall site safety.

Furthermore, the Labour Department (LD) has significantly ramped up maintenance site inspections, particularly those involving large-scale scaffolding. To date, 404 construction sites have been checked, resulting in substantial enforcement actions including 210 written warnings, 104 improvement notices, and 25 prosecutions, underscoring the government’s commitment to strict enforcement of revamped safety protocols.

Expedited Financial and Welfare Support

Financial assistance for the affected community has grown substantially. Donations to the Government’s Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court have reached approximately $3.1 billion, supplementing the government’s initial $300 million seed funding for a total pool nearing $3.4 billion dedicated to sustained recovery.

Key financial disbursements have been expedited:

• The living allowance for affected households has doubled from $50,000 to $100,000, with 1,717 cases processed thus far.
• Families of the deceased are receiving a solidarity payment of $200,000, plus $50,000 for funeral expenses; 109 claims have been processed.
• Flat owners across all eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court will receive a new one-off grant of $100,000 from the fund.

Rehousing and Community Mobilization

The rehousing operation is proceeding rapidly under the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau. As of the latest update, 1,435 residents have been placed in temporary accommodations such as hotel rooms, youth hostels, and camps. An additional 2,677 residents are lodged in transitional housing provided by the Housing Bureau and the Hong Kong Housing Society. Temporary shelters are phasing down operations as residents transition into more stable emergency accommodations.

Community support remains high, facilitated by a government-run online donation platform. This platform has registered over 1,700 contributions, allocating vital supplies—including food, clothing, bedding, and appliances—to those in need. More than 16,300 donated items have been successfully distributed, with further matching and deliveries underway.

Legal and Task Force Coordination

The Legal Aid Department (LAD) has activated a dedicated task force to provide legal assistance for personal injury, property damage, and related claims arising from the November 26 fire. The LAD is working closely with the Social Welfare Department’s “one social worker per household” scheme, establishing a special hotline (2867 4516 or 2399 2277), and streamlining processing to ensure affected residents receive timely legal representation. Residents are strongly advised to consult the LAD before incurring unnecessary private legal costs.

Overall recovery management is being overseen by three dedicated government task forces focusing on Investigation and Regulation, Emergency Support and Fund-Raising, and Emergency Accommodation. The Social Welfare Department has maintained direct contact with over 1,980 affected households, ensuring continuous follow-up services for the 4,900-plus residents who have registered for comprehensive support throughout the entirety of the recovery period.

A former officer of the Hong Kong Immigration Department has initiated a judicial review proceeding, challenging her dismissal following a 2019 arrest at the MTR Prince Edward Station and subsequent internal disciplinary findings. The High Court convened on Wednesday to hear the case of the former senior clerical officer, identified as Chan Ka-yan, who seeks to overturn her termination, arguing the penalty was disproportionate and unfair. Mr. Justice Coleman presided over the hearing and indicated that a written judgment will be delivered on or before February 13 of next year.

Disciplinary Action Followed 2019 Arrest

Ms. Chan was arrested by police on the evening of August 31, 2019, at the MTR Prince Edward Station platform amid significant public unrest in the city. Police concluded their investigation in August 2020. Subsequently, the Immigration Department launched a disciplinary hearing held over three days in February 2021. The central issue revolved around inconsistencies in Ms. Chan’s account of her travel route preceding the arrest, and whether those discrepancies constituted deceitful behavior during the internal inquiry.

During the initial interview, Ms. Chan stated she and her companion traveled from Tin Hau, changing trains at Central for the Tsuen Wan Line, and alighted at Prince Edward. She reported being arrested after witnessing altercations. The following day, however, Ms. Chan revised her statement, indicating she believed the arrest occurred on the lower platform. She conceded that trains reaching that platform could not have originated from Central, raising doubts about her claimed transit route.

Officer Cited Postpartum Memory Issues

Ms. Chan contended that the disciplinary interviews occurred approximately 18 months after the incident, making precise recollection difficult. Crucially, she highlighted that the interviews took place almost three months after she had given birth. She attributed her flawed memory and confusion to postpartum memory decline, compounded by sleep deprivation from caring for a newborn and significant personal stress, including the recent death of her dog. She insisted that after viewing online footage following the first day of the inquiry, she promptly clarified her location to the committee. She argued that the errors stemmed from an impaired memory, not deliberate untruthfulness.

The disciplinary committee and the respondent, the Civil Service Bureau, rejected this explanation. The Bureau argued that an arrest, particularly for an individual serving in a disciplined service, would be an “unforgettable event.” They maintained that Ms. Chan provided misleading and false information to the department. The Bureau asserted that her changing accounts, when faced with evidence contradicting her initial version, suggested calculated deception rather than mere memory lapses. The Bureau’s core charge centered on her failure to candidly detail her movements on the day of the incident.

Proportionality of Penalty Debated

The Immigration Department ultimately found Ms. Chan guilty of misconduct, leading to her dismissal—the severest sanction possible. Ms. Chan’s legal challenge focuses on the proportionality of this penalty, arguing that termination stemming from an internal inquiry is excessive and unwarranted given the context of her memory difficulties and non-specialist role. She criticized the Bureau for allegedly refusing to accept her mitigating factors without adequate justification.

The forthcoming ruling by Justice Coleman will set a significant precedent regarding the extent to which personal circumstances, such as postpartum health issues, can be deemed mitigating factors in civil service disciplinary proceedings involving allegations of lack of candor. The decision will impact how disciplinary bureaus weigh honest mistakes against deliberate deception when assessing integrity within Hong Kong’s disciplined public service.

Enforcement personnel in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district conducted a significant anti-vice operation late Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the arrest of seven women suspected of violating their conditions of stay.

The targeted operation, orchestrated by Wan Chai enforcement units utilizing prior intelligence and extensive preliminary investigations, focused on combating illegal vice activities concentrated in the bustling commercial and entertainment hub. Officers carried out surprise inspections across several residential units situated on Lockhart Road and Gloucester Road, areas historically known for high prevalence of vice establishments, specifically impacting multi-story residential buildings.

Targeted Inspections on Key Wan Chai Thoroughfares

The coordinated sweep culminated at approximately 9:18 p.m. local time on the evening of the operation. Law enforcement detained seven women, who ranged in age from 20 to 50 years old. Authorities confirmed all seven detainees are Mainland residents.

The primary charge leveled against the arrestees is breaching the conditions of their stay in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. According to Hong Kong’s immigration laws, most visitors and temporary residents are strictly prohibited from engaging in paid employment or commercial activities without appropriate working visas, a regulation often linked to controlling illicit activities within the vice trade.

The Dynamics of Anti-Vice Efforts

Joint anti-vice operations are frequently deployed by Hong Kong police to manage social order and address community concerns related to illegal prostitution, which often involves the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and contributes to organized crime. The strategy of targeting “upstairs flats”—residential or commercial units in upper floors of buildings—is a known tactic, as these locations are frequently utilized as clandestine brothels due to their discreet nature.

Following the arrests, all detainees are currently held pending questioning. Standard procedure dictates that law enforcement thoroughly investigates the circumstances of their arrival, activities, and duration of stay in Hong Kong.

Legal Follow-Up and Community Impact

The police plan to transfer the collected evidence and case files to the relevant departments—primarily the Immigration Department—for thorough follow-up and prosecution. Breaching conditions of stay is a serious offense that can result in repatriation, deportation, and restrictions on future entry into Hong Kong.

These sustained enforcement efforts underscore the government’s commitment to curbing illegal immigration and managing the city’s vice industry. For residents and visitors in areas like Wan Chai, these visible operations communicate the continuous monitoring of illegal activities, aiming to maintain the integrity of immigration controls and enhance public safety. Individuals seeking further information about legal visa requirements or reporting suspected illegal activities can contact the Hong Kong Immigration Department or local police stations.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) in Hong Kong conducted a targeted enforcement action Tuesday against a licensed fresh provision shop in Tseung Kwan O, Sai Kung District, amid an ongoing effort to curb the deceptive practice of selling frozen or chilled meat under the guise of being freshly slaughtered.

The operation, which focused on a premises located on Yan King Road, resulted in the seizure of approximately 520 kilograms of suspected frozen beef products. This significant haul included roughly 264 kg of bulk suspected frozen beef and 256 kg of pre-packaged frozen beef. Officials sealed the items immediately for evidence, and samples were collected for analysis, specifically to test for illegal preservatives.

Licensing Breaches and Public Safety Concerns

The investigation centers on the licensee’s alleged breach of licensing conditions by displaying and selling frozen meat as fresh—a practice considered misleading to consumers and a violation of public trust. The FEHD has initiated proceedings to revoke the shop’s license.

Beyond the misrepresentation offense, the provisions shop is facing separate legal action regarding unsanitary conditions observed at the site. Furthermore, officers issued two verbal warnings related to compliance failures, including the inability to produce requisite delivery notes for inspection and the improper storage of frozen beef, both of which contravene established licensing mandates.

An FEHD spokesperson underscored the serious nature of passing off non-fresh meat, noting that such deception not only violates licensing terms but also introduces potential food safety risks. This unfair trading practice also puts compliant operators at an undue commercial disadvantage.

Robust Enforcement Measures Planned

The department is aggressively pursuing prosecutions based on the evidence gathered. Selling chilled or frozen meat without proper authorization is a serious offense under Hong Kong law, carrying a maximum penalty of a HK$50,000 fine and six months of imprisonment upon conviction.

The FEHD confirmed its commitment to maintaining rigorous oversight across the sector. Enforcement strategy includes unannounced inspections of licensed fresh provision shops and market meat stalls, prompt responses to public complaints, and swift investigative action where irregularities are found.

Targeted surprise checks are a key component of this strategy, specifically aimed at identifying and penalizing illicit activities. Sanctions for infringements of licensing conditions or tenancy agreements are comprehensive, ranging from aggressive prosecution to the cancellation of shop licenses or the termination of market stall tenancies for egregious or repeat offenders.

This recent action in Tseung Kwan O illustrates the government’s firm resolve to ensure food regulations are strictly adhered to, protecting both consumer health and fair market practices within the city’s complex food supply chain. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant regarding the origin and labeling of fresh meat products they purchase.

HONG KONG — A Hong Kong police constable faces incarceration after being found guilty of forgery and serious misconduct in public office for prematurely closing 10 criminal investigations, thereby denying victims the chance to recover financial losses. Acting Judge Wong Kwok-fai of the District Court delivered the verdict on Tuesday, concluding that Constable Wong Yiu-chung, 32, intentionally fabricated “no further action” statements, falsely informing supervisors that complainants had withdrawn their cases. Sentencing is delayed until December 31 while the court considers background reports.

The conviction stems from actions taken between November 2022 and July 2023. Wong, an investigating officer, was found to have created a false witness statement for one theft case and dishonestly misled superiors into closing nine other cases, including reports of theft and phone scams. In one instance involving the forgery charge, the purported witness, a woman named Chow Ka-man, testified that the Chinese signature on the waiver was not hers, as she consistently signs documents in English.

Deception and Abuse of Authority Detailed

The court emphasized the severity of the misconduct, noting that the constable deprived ordinary citizens—including a construction worker, a housewife, a Pakistani man, and an octogenarian—of their right to justice. Victims reported losses ranging from several hundred dollars to a significant HK$260,000.

Judge Wong substantiated the reliability of all 10 complainants’ testimonies, noting the inherent improbability of victims willingly abandoning high-value cases shortly after reporting them. For instance, one victim who lost HK$260,000 was allegedly cited as withdrawing the complaint just 18 days after the report was filed. The evidence suggested that Constable Wong either misled vulnerable complainants—some of whom did not read Chinese—into signing blank pages or outright forged signatures to create fabricated statement packets.

The court highlighted Wong’s unique position as the sole investigating officer responsible for evidence collection and witness liaison. This allowed him to retrieve closed case files and withhold closure letters, preventing complainants from receiving notification and challenging the decision; seven complainants confirmed they never received official correspondence regarding the closure. The judge concluded that the officer essentially caused the cases to “sink without trace.”

Mitigating Factors Considered

In mitigation, the defense argued that Wong did not act for personal financial gain but succumbed to the pressure of an overwhelming workload, handling approximately 80 files concurrently. The defense also cited the constable’s battle with thyroid cancer, which required two surgeries and ongoing radioactive iodine therapy, pleading for leniency due to health concerns and a potentially ruined career. They noted his earlier commendation in the 2019 “Operation Tiderider.”

However, Judge Wong maintained that the deliberate closure of cases without victims’ knowledge constituted an egregious abuse of public trust. The judge stated that, given the gravity of the offense, immediate imprisonment was the provisional intention, underscoring that the misconduct severely undermined the integrity of the police force and the system of criminal justice.

The constable remains in custody pending the December 31 sentencing, where the court will weigh the officer’s health issues and purported remorse against the profound impact his actions had on vulnerable victims seeking recourse for their losses.