HONG KONG, December 1 — A retired chemistry academic and former prominent cram school tutor, known professionally as “K Kwong,” was sentenced to a 12-month probation order today after admitting to illegally filming a woman on a metro escalator nearly two years ago. The sentencing took place at Sha Tin Magistrates’ Courts, where Acting Principal Magistrate Jacky Cheng accepted the recommendations of a probation report, noting Dr. K Kwong, whose full name is Kwong Sze-shan, was a first-time offender.
The incident occurred on Valentine’s Day, February 14, last year, at Tai Wai MTR Station. Kwong, 66, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal recording or observation of a private part. The charge stemmed from his attempt to film beneath the skirt of an unfamiliar 28-year-old female commuter, identified only as X, while both were ascending an escalator.
According to court details, the victim was wearing a skirt and heading toward Platform 3 when Kwong positioned himself one step behind her on Escalator No. 17. The attempted photography was thwarted by a vigilant 57-year-old male bystander who noticed Kwong holding his phone, with the camera lens pointed upwards beneath the victim’s skirt.
The bystander immediately challenged Kwong, who reportedly became visibly nervous and attempted to flee. The witness intervened, stopping Kwong and notifying the police.
Upon arrest, Kwong reportedly told officers that he acknowledged the material was on his phone, stating, “I agree those materials are on my phone. I don’t know the circumstances under which I pressed the button and took the video.” A subsequent police review of his device uncovered a 10-second video clip clearly showing the victim’s underwear.
Kwong, who is registered as a retiree, admitted in court documents that on the specified date, he filmed the private area of commuter X at the MTR station. He further acknowledged that the part filmed would not have been visible without his actions, and that his behavior was carried out for a sexual purpose or dishonestly, regardless of whether he had the victim’s consent.
During the pre-sentencing hearing, the defense counsel informed the court that reports prepared for Kwong regarding potential probation and community service orders concluded that he was unsuitable for community service. However, the reports recommended a period of probation, which the court accepted.
Acting Principal Magistrate Cheng considered the mitigation presented, including Kwong’s clean criminal record prior to the incident, in determining the sentence. The 12-month probation order will place Kwong under various conditions monitored by social welfare officials.
Outside the courthouse, Dr. Kwong declined to elaborate on the case or respond to interview requests, offering only a brief statement: “Thank you for your concern,” before departing.
The conviction of a public figure like Dr. Kwong, who holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Hong Kong and built a significant profile as a high-profile educator, underscores the seriousness with which Hong Kong courts address offenses related to voyeurism and the exploitation of private moments in public spaces. The maximum penalty for illegal observation or recording of a private part in Hong Kong is up to five years imprisonment.
Case File No.: STCC 3395/2025
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