HK imposes financial restrictions on 16 fugitives

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government on Monday imposed new restrictive measures against 16 fugitives wanted for national security offenses, including bans on financial support and the revocation of most of their SAR passports.

The 11 men and five women were among 19 fugitives originally named by police on July 25 as wanted for their alleged involvement in the "Hong Kong Parliament", which authorities have labeled a subversive organization operating outside the city. Among the 19 are Yuan Gong-yi, Fok Ka-chi and Choi Ming-da, who had previously been placed on a wanted list.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung invoked powers under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to impose new restrictions on 16 of the 19 individuals: Victor Ho Leung-mau, Chan Lai-chun, Feng Chongyi, Gong Sasha, Ng Man-yan, Tsang Wai-fan, Chin Po-fun, Paul Ha Hoi-chun, Hau Chung-yu, Ho Wing-yau, Keung Ka-wai, Tony Lam, Agnes Ng, Wong Chun-wah, Wong Sau-wo and Zhang Xinyan.

The measures prohibit anyone from making available or handling funds for the fugitives, or engaging in specified transactions involving immovable property linked to them. Joint ventures and partnerships with them are also banned.

Twelve of the individuals have had their Hong Kong SAR passports revoked, and two have been temporarily removed from their positions as directors of their respective enterprises.

Four of the fugitives — Yuan, Fok, Choi and Victor Ho — were already wanted by police before the July 25 announcement, and each carries a bounty of HK$1 million (about $127,400). The other 15 fugitives are subject to HK$200,000 bounties.

Tang also directed the Hong Kong Police Force to gather evidence for potentially banning the "Hong Kong Parliament" and another group, the "Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union", under the national security ordinance. Both are described by authorities as subversive organizations.

A government representative said the 16 absconders are currently residing in countries and regions including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia and Thailand.

"They continue to blatantly engage in activities that endanger national security. They also intended to incite hatred through smear and slander against the central authorities and the HKSAR," the representative said.

The police reminded the public that providing financial or other support, including leasing or supplying property to the fugitives, without a license from the secretary for security constitutes an offense punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Anyone who organizes, plans, participates in or commits acts aimed at subverting State power or the Hong Kong SAR by force, threats or other unlawful means is in breach of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

As of July 25, Hong Kong police have listed 34 individuals wanted for alleged national security offenses.