A Hong Kong police officer stands formally accused of illegally filming a woman in a subway station and later attempting to seize a firearm from a colleague while under investigation, authorities confirmed Thursday. The 39-year-old officer, identified as Ko Chun-chung, appeared in District Court and indicated through his legal counsel an intent to plead guilty to the dual charges. The serious allegations stem from events that allegedly transpired earlier this year, raising significant concerns about police conduct and internal disciplinary procedures.
The charges against Ko Chun-chung, an officer attached to the National Security Department, include unlawful photographing or observing of an intimate part and attempted unlicensed possession of a firearm. According to court documents, the alleged incident of voyeurism occurred on Jan. 15, 2025, when Ko was off-duty at the Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station. Prosecutors allege that while on an escalator, Ko operated a device—seeking to observe or film underneath the clothing of a woman identified only as “X”—with the intention of observing or recording sensitive parts for sexual purposes, without seeking her consent.
Further compounding the legal crisis for the officer, he is charged with a critically serious second offense that occurred shortly thereafter. While being detained and investigated by fellow officers at the Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station Report Room on the same day, Ko allegedly experienced emotional distress and attempted to take possession of an official police handgun belonging to a colleague. This attempt resulted in the secondary charge of attempting to possess a firearm without a license.
During Thursday morning’s hearing, the defense informed the presiding judge that Ko intends to enter a guilty plea. Due to the gravity of the offenses, the case has been adjourned until June 29 of next year for an official plea hearing and mitigation submissions at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts. Ko, who is currently listed as a police constable, was ordered to be remanded in custody pending the resolution of the judicial proceedings. The court case number is DCCC 837/2025.
Impact on Public Trust and Police Conduct
Cases involving allegations of criminal misconduct by serving officers invariably draw intense public scrutiny, particularly in sensitive areas such as national security or interactions with the public. An attempt to seize a duty weapon from a colleague within a secure police facility represents a major internal security failure and a significant risk to personnel safety.
The Hong Kong Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding criminal behavior, and these charges underscore the force’s challenge in upholding professional standards, even when officers are off-duty. While the force did not immediately issue a public statement on the officer’s employment status, officers facing serious criminal charges are typically suspended from duty.
Legal experts suggest that an attempted guilty plea will likely focus the remaining judicial process on the severity of the sentence. The charge of illegal filming carries a maximum penalty, and the attempted possession of a firearm raises complex issues regarding mental state and intent, which the court will weigh heavily during sentencing next year. The ongoing detention of Ko Chun-chung signals the court’s assessment of the seriousness of the two separate, yet intrinsically linked, criminal allegations. The outcome of this high-profile case will be closely watched as it sets a crucial precedent regarding accountability within the city’s disciplined services.
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