Author: Cheung Wai-Man

A recent BBC investigation has unveiled critical failures in policing that allowed convicted fraudster and rapist Christopher Harkins to terrorize women across Scotland and London for nearly a decade, despite repeated early warnings from victims. The chilling testimony of one woman, identified only as Nadia, detailing how a brief, uncomfortable first date spiraled into a relentless campaign of threats and harassment, underscores urgent questions about how law enforcement handles cumulative complaints regarding predatory behavior.

The Immediate Aftermath of a Failed Date

Nadia, speaking on the BBC Disclosure podcast Matched with a Predator, recounted meeting Harkins through a dating app in 2018. Sensing immediate warning signs, she quickly terminated the date at his Cumbernauld flat. This decision prompted a vicious backlash: a sustained wave of abusive calls, messages, and chilling threats, including those directed toward her family and home.

Despite immediately reporting the harassment to Police Scotland the following day, Nadia says she was told that officers could not take action at that time. This lack of intervention proved devastating, allowing Harkins’ digital abuse to persist for over a year, significantly damaging her mental health and reigniting past insecurities.

Systemic Failure to Connect the Dots

The full scope of Harkins’ predatory career only emerged years after the first complaints. The BBC inquiry discovered that as early as 2012, at least 11 women had attempted to alert police to Harkins, reporting instances of assault, fraud, and intimidation.

Police Scotland confirmed that these initial complaints were largely processed as isolated financial disagreements, a handling procedure that investigators now admit would not be repeated today. Detective Chief Inspector Lyndsay Laird, who eventually led the inquiry, noted that reports were often received “piecemeal” across different regional divisions and categorized as civil matters, obscuring a clear pattern of criminal behavior.

This failure to connect earlier reports had dire consequences, allowing Harkins to continue operating with impunity. Harkins systematically targeted women met online, ultimately leveraging his deceptive charm to steal over £214,000 through elaborate holiday scams, bogus investments, and fraudulent bank loans using stolen identities.

Victims’ Perseverance Forces Action

The tide only shifted in October 2019 after a victim, who had been defrauded of more than £3,000 in a bogus holiday scam, took her story directly to the press. This public exposure finally prompted Police Scotland to launch a comprehensive, full-scale investigation.

Nadia and others who had previously approached the police were re-interviewed, providing detailed statements that contributed to the eventual prosecution. In 2024, Harkins was convicted of 19 serious offenses against 10 women, including rape, and received a 12-year prison sentence.

While the eventual investigative effort was thorough, the delay proved costly. Nadia strongly believes that early intervention could have prevented immense harm, noting that one rape victim encountered Harkins just two months after her own negative experience.

Lessons Learned and Future Safeguards

The disturbing case highlights acute challenges in identifying and prosecuting serial predators who operate across digital platforms and institutional jurisdictions. Harkins is suspected of having targeted at least 30 women, with further alleged frauds totalling nearly £70,000.

Nadia, who has rebuilt her life as a mother of two, acknowledges her personal recovery but insists that an apology is owed to those whose critical warnings were ignored. She is now an outspoken advocate, determined to encourage others never to dismiss warning signs.

The case serves as a crucial reminder for both dating app users and law enforcement agencies:

• Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels wrong, immediately prioritize personal safety and remove yourself.
• Detailed Reporting: When reporting digital abuse or suspicious behavior, provide detailed timelines, specific threats, and connect previous similar experiences, emphasizing the cumulative nature of the incidents.
• Police Reforms: Law enforcement agencies must prioritize training to identify patterns of coercive control and cross-divisional report aggregation, rather than treating serial emotional or financial abuse as isolated civil disputes.

The outcome ensures Harkins is off the streets, but for many victims, the consequences of institutional delays underscore the ongoing need for systemic reforms in how multi-site predatory behavior is handled.

France’s Court of Auditors has delivered a scathing indictment of the Louvre Museum’s security protocols following an audacious daylight jewel theft in October, asserting that management prioritized high-profile acquisitions and renovations over fundamental protection measures. The critique, which emerged shortly after the theft of priceless estimated French crown jewels, places intense pressure on the iconic Parisian institution to overhaul its physical and digital defenses.

The October 19th incident saw four individuals scale an exterior wall, breach a window, and escape with nine historic pieces—valued around $102 million—within minutes. The speed of the infiltration highlighted critical perimeter vulnerabilities and slow emergency response times, failures that had reportedly been known to the museum’s administration for years.

Neglecting Physical Protections

The audit paints a clear picture of delayed security modernization despite having an annual operating budget of €323 million. While the museum expanded its network of interior CCTV cameras to 432 by 2024—nearly a 50% increase since 2019—it still leaves an estimated 61% of its 465 galleries without surveillance coverage. Modernization projects were frequently postponed, with new cameras often installed only as a secondary measure during unrelated room refurbishments.

Louvre Director Laurence des Cars acknowledged that weaknesses had been identified previously and subsequently committed to senators to doubling the camera count across the expansive 37-hectare site in the coming years.

The Court of Auditors sharply contrasted the museum’s spending priorities. Between 2018 and 2024, the Louvre dedicated approximately €87 million to maintenance and palace restoration, but spent nearly double that amount on layout changes and art acquisitions. The museum invested €105 million to acquire 2,754 works during this six-year period, including a Fragonard painting and an “exceptional” Fabergé triptych. The Court urged greater scrutiny over acquisition prices, cautioning against purchasing artworks significantly above recent auction levels.

Digital Defenses Under Fire

Adding to the institution’s embarrassment are revelations concerning its cybersecurity posture. A years-old and heavily cited 2014 cybersecurity review by the national cyber agency ANSSI reportedly alleged woefully inadequate digital safeguards. Specifically, the audit claimed that a key server overseeing the museum’s CCTV network once used the easily guessable password “LOUVRE,” and software linked to security contractor Thales was protected by the equally flimsy “THALES.”

While ANSSI cautioned that the 2014 findings do not necessarily reflect current practice, these revelations have become a symbolic “smoking gun,” amplifying concerns about both digital and physical lethargy. The old audit had reportedly urged the Louvre to replace outdated software and significantly bolster its IT defenses.

Despite initial insistence that museum systems functioned during the theft, France’s Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, later conceded the “spectacular theft” represented a clear institutional failure. In response, President Emmanuel Macron has pressed for an acceleration of security enhancements.

The pressure comes as the Louvre is already engaged in a sweeping €700–€800 million renovation plan announced earlier in the year. However, the Court’s audit noted that some critical security recommendations dating back to 2015 are not scheduled for completion until 2032. Critics argue the October incident is a bruising wake-up call that demands an immediate, expedited timeline for implementation. The museum now faces intense public and governmental scrutiny to prove it can protect the global heritage housed within its walls.

Sincere, a venerable Hong Kong retail institution, confirms the permanent closure of its Sham Shui Po branch in Dragon Centre by the end of December 2025, punctuating a three-decade presence in West Kowloon as the company adapts to evolving market dynamics.

The esteemed department store, which has been a cornerstone of the city’s retail landscape for generations, announced the decision on November 6, citing the expiration of its lease at the expansive shopping center. While the closure of the Sham Shui Po location represents a significant shift for the neighborhood, Sincere assured customers that its flagship stores in Central and Mong Kok, alongside its digital storefront, will maintain regular operations, continuing the brand’s enduring legacy.

The impending closure marks the conclusion of a nearly 30-year chapter at Dragon Centre, a location beloved by many longtime patrons. Reflecting the changing tides of Hong Kong’s retail environment, the retailer described the move on social media as a regrettable farewell, extending gratitude to consumers for their loyalty spanning three decades.

Farewell Sales Offer Deep Discounts

To commemorate its final weeks and give back to loyal customers, the Sham Shui Po outlet is launching an aggressive clearance sale campaign. Shoppers can anticipate substantial price reductions, with discounts reportedly starting at 90% off. This initiative serves as a major draw for long-term supporters seeking to make a final purchase and bid farewell to the iconic store.

The Dragon Centre site holds significant nostalgic value. Many former customers recall the department store’s expansive footprint during its peak, occupying seven floors before later consolidating to just three levels. The decision to shutter this large location underscores the intense pressures facing traditional brick-and-mortar retail in a city where consumers increasingly pivot toward smaller physical footprints or digital shopping platforms.

Consolidating the Physical Presence

The closure has fueled market commentary regarding the shrinking physical retail presence of established Hong Kong brands. Post-December 2025, Sincere’s physical network will be streamlined to its two remaining key locations: one on Hong Kong Island (Central) and one in Kowloon (Mong Kok). This strategic consolidation suggests the retailer is focusing resources on high-traffic, established retail hubs while bolstering its online offerings.

The challenges faced by large department stores—high operational costs, fierce competition from specialized retailers, and the ongoing shift to e-commerce—are palpable across the sector. Sincere’s move aligns with a broader industry trend of optimizing physical assets to ensure sustainability.

Looking Ahead

While the West Kowloon shop prepares to wind down operations, patrons can expect the core offerings and familiar seasonal promotions to continue at the remaining outlets. Customers are advised to monitor Sincere’s official communication channels for the latest details regarding the clearance sale schedule, final operating hours for the Sham Shui Po branch, and ongoing developments concerning the Central and Mong Kok locations.

The legacy of Sincere, one of Hong Kong’s longest-serving department store chains dating back over a century, remains intact through its continuing locations and digital transformation efforts. The optimization of its physical stores signals a clear path toward navigating the increasingly complex landscape of modern urban retail.

A horrifying case of prolonged teenage violence has shocked Hong Kong, after disturbing video footage circulated detailing a brutal assault on a young girl inside a commercial building washroom in Mong Kok. The incident, which reportedly occurred mid-November, involved a group of underage girls, highlighting systemic failures in addressing youth conflict and the dark undercurrent of aggressive behaviour spilling into public spaces.

The victim endured sustained physical abuse, including repeated slapping, severe kicks to the head, and being forcefully rammed into a wall until she reportedly lost consciousness for approximately 30 minutes. Sources close to the investigation suggest that as many as seven minors were present, with long-simmering disputes over romantic relationships and alleged drug use—specifically involving the sedative etomidate—believed to be the catalyst for the violent confrontation. Alarmingly, despite the severity of the victim’s injuries and clear distress, no bystanders or participants called the police or emergency services.

Details of the Vicious Assault

Footage documented a tense exchange that quickly devolved into extreme violence. Initial videos show one primary aggressor, identified in an off-shoulder top and featuring a prominent tattoo, confronting and questioning the victim. Mocking remarks swiftly escalated as the aggressor began delivering a flurry of open-handed slaps, shoves, and repeated kicks.

Throughout multiple clips, which ran almost six minutes in duration, the violence was intermittent but relentless. Other girls present took turns participating. One woman, reportedly older, also joined the assault, demanding further attacks and focusing on the victim’s alleged prior behaviour involving a man. The victim, visibly terrified and dishevelled, could be heard pleading for the assault to stop while apologizing, even begging for her earrings to be spared.

The situation became critically dangerous when the victim was violently shoved against the wall several times, prompting immediate concerns from some bystanders about potential head injury. A second short clip captured the victim wedged behind a toilet, weeping and describing the severe pain in the back of her head, while the main aggressor continued to deliver heavy blows. The victim was then threatened further and ordered to leave the premises immediately to avoid another beating.

Underlying Factors and Community Concern

Insiders suggest the attack took place within an office building washroom and involved parties with a known history of conflict. Disturbing allegations indicate some of the assailants may have loose affiliations with local triad societies, adding a layer of complexity and danger to the bullying dynamics. While claims of drug use, particularly relating to etomidate (sometimes referred to as “space oil”), were brought up during the confrontation, investigators are focusing on the deep-seated grievances that fueled the altercation.

The fact that seven minors were involved and that no one sought medical or police assistance after the victim lost consciousness raises serious questions about the culture of silence and culpability among young people in the city. The incident underscores a need for immediate intervention and support—both for the victim and for the aggressive individuals involved.

Key Concerns Raised by the Incident:

• Bystander Apathy: The failure to call emergency services despite severe injury.
• Escalation of Conflict: Disputes spiraling tragically out of control among minors.
• Hidden Violence: The use of commercial building washrooms as settings for concealed aggression.
• Triad Influence: Potential links between youth violence and organized crime elements.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent requirement for enhanced youth mental health services, effective anti-bullying programmes focused on conflict resolution, and increased community vigilance. Authorities must investigate not only the assault itself but also the systemic issues that allowed such prolonged and brutal violence to occur without challenge. Parents, educators, and community leaders must collaborate to identify and address the warning signs of escalating aggression before disputes turn life-threatening. Victims of domestic violence, bullying, or assault should seek immediate help from verifiable resources such as the police and local support hotlines.

The Shuanghedong National Geopark in Guizhou, China, has cemented its status as a critical paleontological site following the discovery of six new giant panda fossils during the 24th International Cave Science Expedition. Announced in late October, the finding elevates the site’s total panda fossil count to 52, making it the globally recognized richest source of ancient panda remains.

This substantial collection of skeletal material, which includes various limb bones and skulls, is providing scientists with unprecedented data to reconstruct the evolutionary history of Ailuropoda melanoleuca. Researchers have begun charting significant shifts in giant panda morphology over time, particularly in body size. Evidence suggests that the giant panda lineage achieved its maximum body mass during the Middle Pleistocene epoch before undergoing a gradual reduction to the proportions observed in the modern species. This chronological insight is crucial for understanding how environmental factors, including climate shifts and habitat pressure, directed the panda’s evolution.

Dual Discoveries Deepen Paleohistory

The 2025 field season delivered breakthroughs not only in the sheer volume of material but also in faunal diversity. Specialists successfully documented new individual specimens dating from the Late Pleistocene “panda–stegodon fauna,” characterizing the composition of this iconic large mammal community with clearer resolution.

Furthermore, the expedition registered a significant finding previously undocumented within China: four relatively complete takin specimens. Takins, unique caprine mammals, were rarely preserved intact. This discovery offers crucial, non-fragmented reference material that will inform future research into the species’ distribution, evolutionary pathway, and the ancient environments prevalent in the region.

Unveiling Geological and Human History

Beyond the prehistoric bonanza, investigators made crucial observations regarding the cave’s rich, dynamic history. The team documented extensive bone deposits bearing distinct evidence of human disturbance, with activity traced back approximately 1,400 years. This suggests the cave served as an anthropological focus point for ancient communities.

Geologically, Shuanghedong showcased its mineral wealth. Explorers mapped a vast corridor notable for its high concentration of gypsum and celestite, confirming the widespread development of secondary sulphate minerals within the expansive cave system.

Often dubbed the “Gateway to Earth’s Core,” Shuanghedong has attracted 24 international joint expeditions since the late 1980s. The most recent survey extended the mapped passageway length to 439.7 kilometers, solidifying its ranking as Asia’s longest known cave system and the third longest globally. This immense natural archive effectively preserves critical geological processes alongside the sequential story of life’s transitions through the late Quaternary period, offering a unique window into both ecological and environmental history.

Hong Kong health authorities are issuing an intensified appeal for timely flu vaccinations, particularly among school-aged children, following the critical admission of a 13-year-old boy to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with a severe Influenza A infection. The case, confirmed by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) on November 7, 2025, underscores the ongoing threat posed by the active seasonal influenza circulation, which remains persistent despite recent lower surveillance figures. The teenager, initially healthy, developed persistent fever starting October 24, followed by characteristic respiratory symptoms. After seeking acute care at a private institution, his condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to his transfer to Queen Mary Hospital’s PICU on November 6 where he was diagnosed with pneumonia and pleural effusion complications. He is currently listed in stable condition.

This incident is the latest in a troubling trend of severe pediatric influenza cases recorded this quarter. Since schools resumed in September, Hong Kong has seen 17 severe cases among children and adolescents ranging from 11 months to 17 years old, including one fatality. Alarmingly, 12 of these young patients had no pre-existing health issues, and 11 had not received the current seasonal flu vaccine, according to CHP data.

The highly contagious nature of the virus was evident in the contacts associated with the hospitalized boy. While one household member recovered from mild flu-like symptoms, four of his schoolmates also fell ill with respiratory symptoms; one required hospitalization before recovering and, like the teen, tested positive for Influenza A. The remaining three peers experienced mild illness that did not necessitate hospital admission. The CHP has advised the affected school to immediately enforce heightened infection control protocols and remains in active surveillance of the campus environment.

Flu Season Persistence and Public Health Advice

Despite late October figures showing a slight decrease in overall influenza activity—with the positivity rate of respiratory specimens dropping from roughly 12% to 8.73% and public hospital admissions declining marginally—health officials warn that the virus circulation remains high. Historically, Hong Kong often experiences a second, primary flu wave between January and March, suggesting the current elevated level could lead to further complications, especially as cooler weather approaches.

Public health experts stress that vaccination is the single most effective intervention to mitigate the risk of severe disease, complications, and death associated with influenza.

Key Actions for Residents:

• Vaccination Eligibility: All Hong Kong residents aged six months and older are strongly urged to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine promptly.
• High-Risk Groups: Individuals considered high-risk—including young children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions or immunosuppression—must prioritize vaccination.
• Preventative Measures: High-risk individuals should continue to wear surgical masks in crowded communal settings.
• Symptom Management: Anyone, even those with mild respiratory symptoms (sore throat, cough, running nose), should don a mask, immediately seek medical consultation, and consider whether they should attend work or school to prevent community spread.

The recent cluster of severe pediatric cases serves as a crucial reminder that while many infections are mild, the capacity for influenza to cause life-threatening complications, even in previously healthy young people, requires urgent, widespread preventative action across the community.

Hong Kong health officials are intensely advocating for immediate seasonal influenza vaccination among students following the hospitalization of a 13-year-old boy with a severe Influenza A infection and subsequent complications. The teenager, now stable but recovering in the pediatric intensive care unit at Queen Mary Hospital, represents one of 17 serious pediatric flu cases recorded since the start of the current school term, reigniting concerns over low vaccination rates and potential viral spread across school campuses.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reports that the previously healthy adolescent developed a persistent fever on Oct. 24, with respiratory symptoms including a cough and sore throat emerging five days later. After initially seeking private medical care on Nov. 1, his deteriorating condition, marked by pneumonia and pleural effusion, necessitated transfer to specialized intensive care on Nov. 6. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Influenza A.

Monitoring Spread and Complications

This severe incident has triggered close medical surveillance within the boy’s community and school. The CHP confirmed that a household contact recently recovered from flu-like illness, and four classmates from the same year group exhibited respiratory symptoms. While one peer required brief hospitalization before testing positive and being discharged, the remaining three presented with mild symptoms. The CHP has mandated stepped-up infection control measures at the affected school to mitigate further transmission.

The latest figures underscore the vulnerability of the pediatric population. Since September, Hong Kong has logged 17 severe pediatric influenza cases, including one fatality. Alarmingly, 12 of the affected patients, spanning ages 11 months to 17 years, possessed no pre-existing health conditions, and 11 had not received the current season’s influenza vaccine.

Flu Activity Remains Elevated

Hong Kong is currently navigating its summer influenza season, characterized by activity that began rising in early September and peaked mid-October before stabilising at elevated levels. While surveillance data from the final week of October showed a slight dip in positive respiratory specimens (from 12% to 8.73%) and public hospital admissions, authorities caution that viral circulation is likely to remain high in the coming weeks. Health experts also warn that the typical winter flu season, generally spanning January to March, could bring another wave of infection.

Vaccination and Prevention: Key Takeaways

Health officials are emphatically stressing the protective role of the influenza vaccine as the most effective defense against severe disease outcomes. Data consistently shows that vaccination substantially lowers the risk of serious complications and death associated with the flu.

The CHP urges all eligible residents aged six months and older to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine promptly, especially those deemed high-risk. This includes young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems.

Furthermore, actionable public health advice includes:

• Masking in High-Risk Settings: High-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when navigating crowded environments.
• Prompt Medical Attention: Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms, even minor ones, must wear a mask and seek medical consultation immediately.
• Stay Home When Sick: Individuals exhibiting symptoms should carefully consider the necessity of attending work or school to prevent community transmission.

The continued elevated flu activity and the rising number of severe pediatric cases serve as a compelling reminder of the need for widespread vaccination and sustained vigilance across the territory.

Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) is broadening its community health outreach and vector control initiatives following a recent locally acquired chikungunya fever case, emphasizing public awareness and heightened surveillance against mosquito-borne diseases. Despite recording no new chikungunya infections as of late afternoon, Nov. 7, the city is proactively mitigating transmission risks after detecting a case earlier in the week, bringing the annual total to 59 confirmed infections. The majority are imported cases, but three this year were locally acquired. The city concurrently reported two new imported dengue fever cases, underscoring the regional vulnerability to these pathogens.

Targeted Outreach Follows Local Chikungunya Case

The CHP swiftly responded to the local case identified in the Kwai Tsing District by mobilizing specialized District Services & Community Care Teams. These teams distributed preventative health materials to over 10,000 households across Mount Haven and surrounding areas, including Kwai Chung Plaza and the Shun Tak Centre precinct in Sheung Wan.

To assess potential exposure, the CHP rapidly established three dedicated health consultation booths between Nov. 3 and 5 p.m. on Nov. 7 in Tsing Yi, Kwai Fong, and Sheung Wan. In addition to on-site consultations, the effort included door-to-door visits and a public hotline. Over 13,000 residents and workers in high-risk zones were evaluated. Fourteen individuals presenting mild symptoms were tested for the virus, and all results returned negative.

Due to a significant reduction in public use, the rapid response booth located in Sheung Wan, which primarily served local workers near the Shun Tak Centre, was scheduled for closure beginning Nov. 8. The Tsing Yi and Kwai Fong booths will remain operational, adjusting hours based on need. The dedicated inquiry hotline (2125 2373) maintains daily service from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Dengue Cases and Global Alarms

The CHP also confirmed two imported dengue fever cases reported between Oct. 31 and Nov. 6. The infected individuals had recently traveled to Cambodia and Zhongshan in Guangdong Province. This brings Hong Kong’s total number of imported dengue cases this year to 52. For context, 2024 saw 161 total infections, the majority imported.

Concerns surrounding mosquito-borne illnesses are heightened by worrying regional and global trends. The World Health Organization reported a dramatic surge in global dengue incidence, confirming over 14 million cases worldwide in 2024—the highest figure ever recorded. In the first seven months of 2025, over four million cases and more than 3,000 related deaths were documented across 97 countries. Key regional travel destinations remain hotspots, with Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam each registering in excess of 40,000 cases this year. Singapore reported over 3,500 cases, while neighboring Guangdong Province logged 3,013 local infections, making continuous cross-border surveillance critical.

Enhanced Mosquito Control Efforts Underway

Citywide mosquito control measures, strengthened since July, remain rigorously enforced. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, alongside partner agencies, is conducting intensive vector surveillance and intervention at sites linked to both local and imported cases.

Following the latest local chikungunya case, area-specific control immediately included intensive fogging within a 250-meter radius to eliminate adult mosquitoes. Furthermore, multi-departmental teams are carrying out weekly inspections to remove standing water, apply larvicides, and safely dispose of water-holding containers—key breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito species responsible for transmitting both dengue and chikungunya. Public education is being amplified through health talks, mobile information stations, and widespread leaflet distribution, ensuring citizens are equipped with actionable steps to protect themselves and reduce breeding sites. Authorities confirmed these enhanced measures will continue indefinitely.

Hong Kong’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has sounded an urgent public warning regarding a sophisticated wave of fraudulent emails impersonating the official tax authority. These deceptive communications instruct recipients to download malicious files via embedded hyperlinks, falsely claiming the action is necessary for a mandatory tax audit submission, thereby posing a significant cybersecurity threat to the public.

Earlier this week, the IRD confirmed that these emails are entirely bogus and are not affiliated with the government department in any capacity. The agency has formally alerted the Hong Kong Police Force to launch an investigation into the large-scale phishing attempt, which aims to trick taxpayers into installing viruses or malware on their computers.

Understanding the Tax Audit Email Scam

The fraudulent emails follow a typical phishing model: they leverage the legitimate context of tax obligations to create a sense of urgency and authority. The core mechanism of the scam involves directing recipients to click on a provided hyperlink to allegedly submit required documentation for tax review purposes.

However, once activated, the link initiates the download of harmful software designed to compromise the user’s computer system, potentially leading to data theft or system damage. IRD officials stress that this method of communication is inconsistent with their established operational procedures.

A spokesperson for the department emphasized that official correspondence, especially concerning audits or high-stakes submissions, is conducted through secure, verifiable channels and not via unsolicited email attachments or unverified links.

Expert Advice: How to Protect Yourself

The proliferation of digital identity theft necessitates heightened caution from all citizens. To avoid falling victim to this and similar scams, the IRD strongly advises the public to adhere to the following security protocols:

• Do Not Engage: Immediately delete any suspicious emails purportedly from the IRD that request the download of files or document submissions through non-official hyperlinks.
• Verify the Sender: Scrutinize the sender’s email address carefully. Phishing attempts often use slightly misspelled or non-government domains.
• Check Official Channels: If you are uncertain about the legitimacy of a communication, navigate directly to the official IRD website (https://www.ird.gov.hk/) or contact the department via their published telephone hotlines. Never use contact details provided within a suspicious email.
• Update Security Software: Ensure that antivirus and antimalware software is installed and regularly updated on all devices to provide a defense layer against accidental downloads.

Report Suspicious Activity

This incident serves as a crucial reminder for all Hong Kong residents to remain vigilant against increasingly convincing cyber scams. Any individual who receives a suspicious email claiming to be from the Inland Revenue Department should abstain from clicking any links or opening attachments, and instead, report the incident immediately to the Hong Kong Police Force through their designated channels.

For official updates and legitimate tax information, taxpayers should always rely solely on the Inland Revenue Department’s official website, which offers secure portals for document submission and inquiry. Fighting sophisticated phishing campaigns requires proactive awareness and cooperation between the public and government agencies.

A controversy surrounding public art in Mount Gambier escalated this week as a local woman appeared in court following allegations that she vandalized the divisive sculpture, Cast in Blue. The artwork, which has polarized residents since its July unveiling, was allegedly targeted by 19-year-old Amelia Vanderhorst in September. She is charged with damaging property after reportedly affixing “googly eyes” to the vivid blue structure.

Appearing via telephone before the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Ms. Vanderhorst did not enter a plea, citing poor health. Magistrate Koula Kossiavelos advised the defendant to secure legal counsel before her next mention hearing scheduled for December. Police documents indicate that officers believe Ms. Vanderhorst acted with “reckless indifference” regarding potential harm to the civic installation. The estimated repair costs are reportedly less than A$2,500.

The Lightning Rod of Public Art

Known locally as the “Blue Blob,” Cast in Blue is situated next to the Cave Garden. The piece, intended to creatively represent mythical prehistoric megafauna indigenous to the region, is painted an unmistakable hue derived from Mount Gambier’s famous Blue Lake.

While intended to be a cultural centerpiece, the artwork has become a lightning rod for community frustration, largely due to its A$136,000 price tag. This expenditure, funded by the City of Mount Gambier, coincided with significant council rate hikes—a 10% increase in 2024 followed by an 8% rise in 2025—fueling public backlash against the project.

History of Incidents and Restoration

The alleged September incident is not the first time the sculpture has faced tampering since its installation. Within two weeks of its unveiling, reports emerged of missing paint chips. Despite providing CCTV footage to the South Australia Police (SA Police), no charges resulted from that initial damage.

The purported googly eyes incident occurred on September 13th, but two days later, on September 15th, council staff reported a separate incident where adhesive residue was left behind after stickers were peeled off the surface. Council staff determined that removing the sticky remnants would cause further damage, resulting in visible white marks resembling eyes. Restoration works were subsequently commissioned and undertaken later that month to repair the accumulated damage.

Seeking Restitution for Vandalism

Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin has previously addressed the ongoing vandalism, emphasizing the council’s intention to pursue restitution from any individual found responsible for damaging the property. Mayor Martin acknowledged that public opinion on the art piece itself is divided, stating that not every resident needs to appreciate the work. However, she emphasized that deliberate acts of vandalism are unequivocally unacceptable.

The Mayor also noted that many residents have embraced the unique sculpture, warning that ongoing remedial work and repairs carry significant costs for the municipality. This legal action signals the local government’s firm stance on protecting public assets against deliberate damage, regardless of how controversial the artwork may be. The pending court date in December is expected to determine the legal consequences of this high-profile incident.