Author: Satoshi Nakamoto

HONG KONG — A harrowing encounter between campers and foraging wild boars at the scenic Ngong Ping Campsite in Ma On Shan this past weekend has highlighted growing tensions between humans and nature, exacerbated by poor waste management and a surge in inexperienced visitors to Hong Kong’s country parks. Campers reported a terrifying night where boars aggressively tore and bit through tents, searching for improperly stored food, prompting an urgent call for better regulation, environmental education, and stricter park etiquette.

The incident unfolded late Sunday after a netizen shared video footage and an account of a boar repeatedly ramming their tent. “I woke up and saw a pig snout by my head,” the distressed camper wrote, detailing how two men resorted to shouting and waving branches to drive the agitated animals away.

Simultaneously, fellow outdoor enthusiasts documented another significant issue: the widespread littering left by departing groups. Another dedicated camper at Ngong Ping on Friday witnessed the aftermath of poor cleanup, finding the main lawn “strewn with trash, food wrappers, and a terrible stench” the following morning.

Wild Boars Drawn to Negligent Campers

The primary concern is that careless disposal of food waste is reconditioning wild boars, a native species, to associate campsites with easy meals.

Outdoor enthusiasts noted that the discarded packaging included simplified Chinese characters and labels for mainland Chinese foods, suggesting a recent influx of tourists unfamiliar with local conservation rules. “You know how to hike up here, set up a big dinner, and watch the sunrise, but you don’t know how to carry your own trash back down?” one exasperated camper commented, referring to the visitors who simply walked away, leaving their refuse scattered across the grassland.

Experts emphasize that this negligence poses a serious threat to the local ecosystem and increases the likelihood of dangerous human-animal interactions. The experienced camper who discovered the mess even proactively cleaned the site before leaving, fearing the long-term impact of normalized littering.

Campsites Are Wild Boar Territory

Roni Wong, founder of the Wild Boar Concern Group, countered the common sentiment that boars are “intruding.” He argued that areas like Ngong Ping are historically part of the animals’ natural habitat, and conflicts arise because humans are now encroaching on their space.

“We need a mentality of mutual respect, not demonizing the boar,” Wong emphasized, advocating for human-animal coexistence.

Wild boars are generally timid and avoid people unless lured by an irresistible scent. Wong pointed out that the animals’ superior sense of smell—capable of detecting food up to 500 meters or even a dozen meters underground—makes them highly vulnerable to temptation from poorly sealed waste.

The persistent presence of food scraps, often resulting from overloaded campsites and unauthorized camping, alters the boars’ behavior, teaching them to rely on campgrounds as a food source.

Urgent Call for Environmental Education

Wong stressed that simply placing food in plastic bags is insufficient. He advised campers to use sealed, insulated containers and, whenever possible, to hang food high up in trees. Crucially, all food must be kept outside of tents, as the powerful animals will charge through fabric to reach a reward.

Beyond individual responsibility, stakeholders are demanding proactive governmental measures. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is urged to better manage crowd control and site capacity at popular campgrounds.

Further recommendations include improving waste infrastructure, such as designing animal-proof public trash bins, and significantly boosting educational outreach. Wong suggested that authorities should utilize platforms popular with mainland tourists, like Xiaohongshu, to disseminate core messages: Do not feed the wild animals, carry out all waste, and refrain from making unauthorized fires.

The increasing frequency of such incidents serves as a stark reminder that preserving Hong Kong’s cherished countryside requires disciplined stewardship from every visitor. The maxim remains non-negotiable: protecting the natural beauty and stability of the local ecology starts with every camper carrying out what they carry in.

HONG KONG — Hong Kong police arrested a man and a woman Friday in Kwai Chung on suspicion of violating the controversial Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, alongside charges related to aiding criminals and possessing illicit drugs. The operation, executed by the National Security Department of the police force, centered on a local snack shop, underscoring the authorities’ broadened enforcement powers under the city’s new domestic security law.

The two individuals, identified by police as a 32-year-old local man and a 27-year-old local woman, were detained on charges including “acts with seditious intent,” as defined under Article 24 of the Ordinance. Police confirmed that investigators also found a small quantity of suspected cannabis at their Kwai Chung residence. The suspects are currently being held for questioning.

Snack Shop Linked to Alleged Seditious Activity

The arrests followed an investigation into the activities of the snack establishment, known as “Kau Giu,” located in Kwai Chung Plaza. Police executed a court warrant to search the premises, seizing cash and relevant business receipts.

According to police statements, the male suspect allegedly used the shop’s social media platforms to disseminate seditious posts on numerous occasions between October 2020 and October 2025. Furthermore, police claim the individual provided financial support for activities deemed to endanger national security. The specific nature of the alleged seditious acts and the organizations purportedly funded were not detailed by the authorities.

The raid drew attention locally after social media circulation showed plainclothes and uniformed officers descending upon the second-floor shop on Thursday afternoon. Eyewitness accounts, shared online, reported seeing several plainclothes officers searching the premises and detaining a male employee. Photographs from the scene showed uniformed police using tape to cordon off the storefront while investigators, some equipped with video cameras, conducted searches.

Broad Reach of New Security Legislation

The charges of “acts with seditious intent” fall under the city’s domestically enacted security law, commonly referred to as Article 23 legislation, which took effect in March. Legal analysts note that this broad offense targets communications and actions deemed capable of inciting hatred, disaffection, or endangering public order, carrying a maximum penalty of up to seven years in prison.

The inclusion of unrelated criminal offenses, specifically “assisting offenders” and “possession of dangerous drugs,” alongside the national security charges, highlights the multifaceted approach police are taking in investigations involving perceived threats to state security.

This latest enforcement action serves as a stark reminder of the expanding application of national security laws across various sectors of Hong Kong society, extending surveillance and regulatory scrutiny from political groups to small, local businesses. As the investigation continues, legal observers are closely monitoring how the prosecution applies the new sedition provisions, which have been a point of contention among international rights groups concerned about shrinking civil liberties in the territory.

The police have not disclosed a timeline for formal charges, stating only that the two suspects remain in custody pending further inquiry.

HONG KONG — A Hong Kong food delivery worker has been terminated by their platform after social media posts went viral showing the driver consuming a customer’s drink and food before delivery, citing the acts as an arbitrary “test for poison” and “punishment” for follow-up calls. The disturbing footage has sparked widespread public outcry over food safety and hygiene standards within the competitive local delivery industry.

The controversy originated on the social platform Threads, where a user shared screenshots and video clips originally posted by the driver. In one clip, the uniformed driver is seen opening a customer’s beverage container, taking a sip, and then attempting to wipe the lid clean before placing it back in the delivery bag. The driver captioned the video, claiming they needed to “check if the drink is poisoned.” Another image showed the driver taking a bite of a separate food order, accompanied by a caption that implied the act was a “punishment” because the customer had allegedly been insistent with follow-up calls regarding the late delivery. The driver stated, “Other people’s takeout is especially delicious; it’s a form of punishment.”

The revelation quickly ignited public disgust, with many internet users expressing shock and revulsion. Critics immediately labeled the behavior as antisocial and deeply unprofessional. Comments flooded in, with users vowing to avoid ordering takeout, citing the risk of receiving “pre-consumed” or contaminated meals.

The posts listed specific delivery routes, including an order traveling from Telford Plaza to Kai Yip Estate and another from Ting Yip Street to Upper Ngau Tau Kok Estate. One of the affected restaurants, a local burger establishment named Burgershot, swiftly addressed the situation. Upon learning of the incident, the restaurant immediately contacted the delivery platform, sharing closed-circuit television footage, and successfully requested the permanent blacklisting of the rogue driver. The restaurant also issued a public warning to other vendors.

The incident underscores growing concerns about the lack of direct oversight regarding third-party logistics workers. Despite the intense competitive environment driving steep discounts for consumers, platforms face challenges ensuring high standards of hygiene and conduct among their contracted fleet.

“This level of unsanitary behavior is unacceptable and fundamentally undermines customer trust in the entire ecosystem,” said Dr. Mei Lin Fung, a consumer behavior analyst speaking on the immediate reaction. “When drivers feel entitled to tamper with sealed food for personal reasons, it requires immediate, decisive action from the platforms.”

Following the intense public backlash and reports filed by concerned citizens to both the delivery platform and the Department of Health, the driver updated their social media profile to indicate that their contract with the delivery service provider had been terminated.

For consumers concerned about food tampering, experts recommend the following actionable takeaways:

• Inspect Seals: Always check that security seals, stickers, or staples on bags and containers are intact and show no signs of tearing or manipulation.
• Opt for Self-Pickup: Many users commented that they would now choose to collect food directly from restaurants to maintain control over the chain of custody.
• Report Immediately: Any evidence of tampering, lack of proper sealing, or unusual behavior by delivery personnel should be documented and reported instantly to both the platform and local health authorities.

While the delivery platform has not issued a comprehensive public statement regarding internal policy changes, the industry now faces mounting pressure to implement stricter background checks, mandatory hygiene training, and better mechanisms for reporting and penalizing severe misconduct to restore consumer confidence in takeout services.

HONG KONG—Political and business leaders gathered in Hong Kong today for a high-level briefing on the recent Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee Plenum, signaling a renewed commitment to integrate the city’s economic future directly into Beijing’s ambitious long-term strategic plan.

The government-hosted session, designed to disseminate the outcomes of the 20th Central Committee’s Fourth Plenary Session, focused heavily on the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which participants described as vital for Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability. Attendees from diverse sectors expressed confidence that the plan would significantly benefit the semi-autonomous region.

The Pivotal Role of the 15th Five-Year Plan

Huang Yushan, Deputy Director of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee, underscored the plan’s critical importance, positioning it as the key transitional blueprint for achieving China’s comprehensive modernization goals by 2035.

“The 15th Five-Year Plan serves as the fundamental mechanism, building upon the 14th Plan, to ensure China attains a fully modernized socialist society by the target date,” Huang stated, emphasizing its bridging role in national development.

A core message highlighted during the presentation was the imperative for technological self-reliance, according to Eric Yeung, a National Committee member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation.

Yeung noted the briefing’s stress on cultivating original, core technologies—a directive the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government is reportedly mirroring. “Attracting and retaining international technology talent is an absolute priority for Hong Kong moving forward, and we must increase collaboration with global academic institutions,” Yeung said, detailing the local application of the national strategy.

Integrating Hong Kong into the National Strategy

CPPCC members voiced excitement over the prospects for the city. Yong-Kee Yung, a CPPCC National Committee member, called the national framework a “magnificent blueprint” for the next five years.

Yung emphasized that the plan specifically calls for promoting Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability, reaffirming its existing strengths and enhancing its role as an international financial hub. He believes that by leveraging its advantages to serve the country’s economic priorities, Hong Kong’s economy will receive a substantial boost.

Similarly, CPPCC member Susan Yang stressed that Hong Kong’s future success hinges on tight alignment with the 15th Five-Year Plan. This includes both shoring up traditional industries and decisively developing new sectors. The city is expected to capitalize on national drives to become a scientific, educational, maritime, and cultural power, providing extensive development scope for Hong Kong.

Navigating Geopolitical Complexity

Discussing the volatile international environment, leaders affirmed Hong Kong’s unique role as a conduit between the mainland and the global community.

Huang Yushan characterized Hong Kong as an outwardly focused city, uniquely positioned by its constitutional arrangement to be “backed by the motherland, connected to the world.” He insisted that regardless of future geopolitical shifts, Hong Kong must proactively sustain global ties, particularly through trade, academic, and economic exchanges with both Western and Southeast Asian nations.

Yung echoed this sentiment, suggesting that professional organizations, business associations, and academic bodies in Hong Kong should amplify their overseas outreach. He proposed hosting more international conferences and inviting foreign delegates to experience the situation in Hong Kong and mainland China firsthand. This effort, he argued, allows Hong Kong to serve a vital role in “people-to-people diplomacy,” effectively sharing the narratives of both the city and the nation.

The consistent message from the briefing is that Hong Kong’s trajectory is inextricably linked to the national development framework, with local leaders focused on ensuring the city maximizes its participation in the goals set forth by the new Five-Year Plan.

HONG KONG — Diplomatic relations between mainland China and Japan have sharply deteriorated following provocative remarks by new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, triggering a cascading effect that has frozen official communication channels between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government and the Japanese Consulate General in Hong Kong. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu publicly condemned Takaichi’s comments yesterday, asserting the SAR government’s full alignment with Beijing’s foreign policy stance amid the rising geopolitical sensitivity.

The escalating diplomatic friction follows Takaichi’s recent articulation of a “Taiwan contingency” scenario, which Beijing views as a severe breach of its sovereignty and a challenge to the “One China” principle. In response, official engagements between Hong Kong and the Japanese mission have reportedly been suspended.

Chief Executive Lee described the Japanese prime minister’s statement on Taiwan as “extremely erroneous,” reaffirming Hong Kong’s role in supporting national foreign policy objectives. This official rebuke comes as Beijing institutes economic countermeasures, including a reported suspension of Japanese seafood imports and significant cancellations of Chinese tourist bookings to Japan. The Hong Kong government itself has updated its outbound travel advisories and canceled official exchange programs with Japan.

Pro-Beijing Groups Adopt Low Profile

The current sharp downturn in Sino-Japanese relations marks a notable divergence in the operational tactics of Hong Kong’s established pro-Beijing political groups. Traditionally, major patriotic organizations like the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) and the Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) have been quick to organize highly visible protests at the Japanese Consulate during periods of historic or political tension.

However, despite the current crisis—which includes the government’s suspension of official ties—both the DAB and FTU have adopted a markedly low-key approach, refraining from large-scale public demonstrations or issuing party-wide statements. This stands in contrast to their high-profile protests last year over Japan’s release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima power plant, and their customary annual protests marking sensitive historical anniversaries such as the start of the Sino-Japanese War.

Specific statements from the FTU this year regarding historical events have been strictly text-based, urging the public to remember historical lessons without the customary public presence at the consulate.

Election Season Constraints Cited

Sources within the pro-Beijing camp suggest that this tactical restraint is largely driven by the current electoral cycle. Many high-ranking members of both the DAB and FTU are candidates in ongoing elections.

A senior FTU insider indicated that internal discussions took place regarding a public response but noted that organizing a protest during the election period poses practical difficulties. “It becomes hard for the media to report it, and there are strict accounting rules about mixing election activities with other events,” the source explained.

A DAB member emphasized that foreign policy is primarily the purview of the Central Government. Given the current uncertainty, the optimal strategy for Hong Kong’s patriotic organizations is to “wait and see” (靜觀其變) and avoid taking the lead. Tam Yiu-chung, Vice President of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that limited action is appropriate as both the central and SAR governments have already articulated the official position on the diplomatic dispute.

Broader Impact on Cultural Ties

Beyond politics, the heightened tensions have begun to ripple through socio-cultural spheres. While no official ban on travel has been issued, there is mounting internal pressure among political and bureaucratic circles to avoid travel to Japan.

One government insider remarked that, regardless of personal inclination, traveling to Japan is ill-advised at this time. This cautious approach highlights the pervasive nature of the diplomatic fallout, affecting both official capacity and personal decisions within the Hong Kong government and pro-Beijing establishment as they navigate the evolving dynamics of the Sino-Japanese relationship. The quiet conformity indicates a strategic prioritization of political stability and unified support for Beijing’s diplomatic stance.

HONG KONG — A strengthening surge of the northeast monsoon is bringing clear skies and notably dry conditions to the South China region this week, keeping temperatures mild during the day but much cooler overnight, weather officials reported Monday. As the region settles into this dry spell, a separate tropical depression currently developing near the Philippines is forecast to track west across the South China Sea, though it is expected to weaken before directly impacting the territory.

Forecasters indicated that Hong Kong specifically will experience very dry, sunny weather throughout the week, with daytime high temperatures peaking near 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). However, morning lows are expected to be significantly cooler, resulting in considerable day-night temperature variations. Winds will be moderate to fresh, blowing from the north to northeast, with stronger gusts reported initially over offshore areas and elevated terrain.

Tracking Tropical Activity

Simultaneously, weather authorities are closely monitoring tropical activity to the south. As of the early Monday morning report, a tropical depression was centered approximately 520 kilometers (323 miles) south-southeast of Manila, Philippines. The system is moving west to west-northwest at roughly 22 kilometers per hour (14 mph) and is currently traversing the Philippine archipelago.

This evolving tropical system is predicted to continue strengthening slightly before entering the South China Sea mid-week. Its projected path places it moving across the central and southern parts of the waterway, aiming generally toward the waters south of Vietnam and Hainan Island, where it is anticipated to gradually dissipate. Experts suggest the monsoon’s dominant influence over South China should prevent the tropical system from posing a direct threat to Hong Kong or Guangdong province in the immediate future.

Long-Term Outlook: Persistent Dryness

The prevailing weather pattern is being driven by the relentless influence and subsequent reinforcement of the northeast monsoon. This persistent flow is the primary reason for the clear skies and very dry air mass covering South China through the middle and later parts of the week.

Public health officials are urging residents to take precautions against the excessive dryness, particularly regarding fire safety and personal hydration. The consistently large diurnal temperature swings—warm days and cool mornings—also increase the risk of respiratory illnesses.

Looking ahead, the sunny, dry pattern is expected to break slightly early next week. Forecast models show a band of cloudiness approaching the coast of Guangdong and the northern South China Sea basin, which should lead to an increase in cloud cover and potentially temper the extreme temperature differences currently observed. While the long-term outlook suggests a brief return to more humid conditions, the immediate focus remains on managing the current dry and variable weather.

Residents are advised to monitor the latest updates from the Hong Kong Observatory regarding both the local dry spell and the trajectory of the distant tropical system as it progresses through the South China Sea.

HONG KONG, June 14 — Following the opening of the Heung Yuen Wai/Liantang Boundary Control Point (BCP), policymakers and candidates are converging on strategies to leverage the crossing’s critical geographic location to spur commercial and logistics development in Hong Kong’s eastern corridor. The consensus from multiple political factions suggests that transforming the area surrounding the BCP from a mere transit zone into a thriving economic hub requires immediate investment in retail infrastructure, cross-border freight facilities, and optimized customs processes.

The Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai BCP has emerged as a popular route for residents traveling north into mainland China, solidifying its role in the “East-in, East-out” freight and passenger paradigm—a strategy aiming to alleviate traffic congestion on the western Shenzhen-Hong Kong crossings. Several prospective leaders advocate for swift action, proposing everything from large-scale commercial complexes to sophisticated, climate-controlled storage facilities integrated with mainland supply chains.

Prioritizing Logistics Infrastructure

A key proposal involves modernizing the BCP’s logistics capabilities to handle increased cross-border trade. Tam Chun-kwok, the Chairman of the New Territories Association of Societies, emphasized the urgent need to enhance the BCP’s freight infrastructure, including customs inspection facilities and the development of a modern logistics industrial park nearby.

Mr. Tam noted that the business community views the adjacent land potential favorably, seeing it as fertile ground for economic growth. He pledged, if elected, to act as a crucial liaison between the government and the private sector to accelerate development, thereby boosting the local economy and generating essential employment opportunities.

Further supporting the logistics push, Tsang King-chung of the Federation of Trade Unions proposed reserving land near the Liantang BCP for secure, temperature-controlled warehousing and storage facilities. He argued that these specialized units are essential for seamless integration with the mainland market, particularly for high-value or perishable goods. Mr. Tsang highlighted the positive feedback loop catalyzed by advanced customs procedures, such as the widely adopted facial recognition screening already implemented at Liantang, which streamlines research, innovation, and business exchanges. This ease of movement, he suggested, attracts more tech enterprises and specialized talent, creating a positive cycle where “people flow drives industry, and industry drives logistics.”

Developing a Cross-Border Commercial District

Beyond freight, several candidates are pushing for consumer-focused development to better serve both mainland visitors and local residents. Yiu Ming of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong suggested that the former peripheral areas of the Northern Metropolis should now be viewed as the development centerpiece of Hong Kong.

Mr. Yiu recommended constructing shopping malls or comprehensive consumer parks near the checkpoint. This strategy is designed to concentrate spending locally, preventing the unintended consequence of over-concentrated border crossings impacting existing residential areas while simultaneously maximizing the BCP’s economic value.

Echoing the necessity of the “East-in, East-out” model, another candidate, Gary Shek, also stressed utilizing the eastern crossings to ease pressure on western Shenzhen traffic, alongside strengthening internal Hong Kong transport links, such as connecting the Northern Link railway system with strategic areas like San Tin.

Meanwhile, Liao Tze-chung of the New People’s Party emphasized the need for systemic efficiency, urging the government to optimize entirely the immigration and customs procedures to simplify travel and commercial exchanges between Hong Kong and the mainland. Successful implementation of these proposals would not only strengthen Hong Kong’s economic resilience but also fully realize the potential of the Northern Metropolis as a key nexus in the Greater Bay Area integration strategy.

HONG KONG — Authorities in Hong Kong’s Kowloon City district conducted a major joint operation Monday, arresting 19 individuals suspected of immigration violations and illegal employment following a targeted crackdown designated Operation Champion. The arrests, executed by the Kowloon City police task force in collaboration with the Immigration Department, targeted locations across Kowloon City and Hung Hom districts, underscoring the government’s sustained efforts to curb illicit border crossings and undocumented labor practices within the territory.

The operation utilized intelligence gathered through inter-agency cooperation, resulting in the apprehension of 17 mainland Chinese nationals—two men and 15 women—ranging in age from 24 to 57, primarily facing charges of breaching conditions of stay. Additionally, officials detained one foreign female national, aged 47, specifically accused of remaining in Hong Kong without the requisite authorization from the Director of Immigration.

Police emphasized that the crackdown is part of an ongoing initiative to maintain law and order and ensure the integrity of Hong Kong’s immigration statutes. “The Kowloon City Police District remains committed to eliminating illegal activities such as undocumented entry and unlawful employment within the area,” a police spokesperson stated, highlighting the continuous collaboration with stakeholders to gather intelligence and execute coordinated raids.

The individuals arrested are currently being held for questioning as part of the initial investigation phase. Following procedural requirements, their cases will be handed over to the appropriate government departments, likely the Immigration Department, for further processing, which may include deportation proceedings or prosecution under Hong Kong law.

Combating Undocumented Labor

Illegal labor and immigration violations have long necessitated proactive enforcement measures in Hong Kong, a global financial hub that draws significant cross-border traffic. Individuals who enter the territory illegally or overstay authorized periods are often exploited in the illicit labor market, frequently taking jobs that contravene their visa conditions or residency status.

This type of focused operation, often conducted jointly with immigration officials, serves as both a deterrent and a measure to disrupt the networks that facilitate undocumented employment. According to legal experts specializing in immigration law, arrests for breaching conditions of stay can lead to immediate detention and rapid removal from the territory, depending on the severity of the violation and prior criminal history.

The continued use of targeted operations like Operation Champion signals the authorities’ robust stance against those who undermine immigration controls. Furthermore, police have urged the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to potential illegal residency or employment, reinforcing the strategy that public cooperation is essential to intelligence-led policing in this sector. The results of Monday’s crackdown reinforce the commitment of law enforcement to regularly execute surprise and joint actions in key areas frequented by alleged offenders.

HONG KONG, November 24 — A sophisticated theft ring, suspected to originate from mainland China or Southeast Asia, has allegedly stolen the ashes of several prominent Hong Kong figures, including the late martial arts legend Lau Kar-leung, from a Sha Tin columbarium, demanding hefty ransoms for their return.

The extraordinary case, first reported earlier this year, escalated today after renowned legal figure Mary Jean Reimer (Weng Ching-ching), Lau Kar-leung’s widow, publicly revealed that the perpetrators are demanding US$1 million for the ashes of each victimized ancestor. Speaking on a webcast, Reimer confirmed that the remains of the columbarium’s founder, the late Fung Sing, were also targeted in the audacious crime at Po Fook Hill Ancestral Hall.

Organized Syndicate Targets High-Profile Remains

The thefts, believed to have occurred around mid-year, have been linked to an international syndicate specializing in stealing human remains, according to sources close to the investigation. The initial theft of Lau Kar-leung’s ashes brought the incident to public attention, but Reimer’s recent statements highlight the scale and calculated nature of the operation.

Reimer detailed the unsettling communications she has received from the alleged thieves via a third party. The caller, speaking Mandarin with a suspected Fujian or Hunan accent, allegedly demanded the million-dollar ransom per niche.

“I have unequivocally informed the third party that I will not pay a single cent,” Reimer stated during the online broadcast. She added that the criminals offered to provide video proof of the stolen ashes upon an initial payment of $100,000, threatening to flush the remains down a toilet if the full ransom was not met.

The theft operation demonstrated considerable planning and physical effort. Reimer revealed that two other victims, whose identities were not disclosed, occupied high-level niches covered by large, heavy stone tablets—requiring multiple individuals to move the covers, extract the urns, and meticulously restore the site. This complexity has fueled speculation about possible “inside help” within the Po Fook Hill facility.

Extortion and Alleged Retaliation

The syndicate reportedly spent a year scouting their targets, with operational costs estimated at roughly 500,000 yuan (approximately $70,000). The thieves allegedly told Reimer’s contact that they targeted Lau Kar-leung specifically because they were informed he possessed immense wealth, with estimates ranging up to HK$10 billion.

Reimer’s interactions with the intermediary also shed light on the perpetrators’ cynical advice. She was allegedly encouraged by the caller to sue Po Fook Hill for substantial compensation and then share the proceeds with the thieves—a counsel she quickly dismissed. The constant threats and communications have led Reimer to characterize the ordeal as a probable act of retaliation tied to her previous public criticisms of certain religious groups.

In a stark statement of defiance against the perpetrators, Reimer announced that she does not wish to recover her late husband’s ashes, asserting that even if returned, she would scatter them or release them into the sea, fearing further theft and extortion attempts at the columbarium.

New Charity Initiative Announced

In response to the criminal enterprise, Reimer has chosen a philanthropic path. She plans to sell 15 of her family’s reserved niches at Po Fook Hill for HK$15 million and donate the proceeds entirely to elderly individuals in need, specifically those aged 75 and above. This move reinforces her commitment to not funding the thieves’ operation.

Authorities are reportedly investigating the multi-jurisdictional nature of the crime, with links suggested to Southeast Asia, specifically Cambodia. The case underscores an alarming new trend in organized crime targeting sentimental, high-value assets for extortion. The families of the deceased are left grappling not only with loss but with the trauma of this macabre form of desecration and blackmail.

HONG KONG — A new, home-grown generative artificial intelligence application, HKChat (港話通), has launched its public beta test on both iOS and Android platforms, aiming to provide Hong Kong residents with a localized and deeply informed digital assistant for daily life and government information.

Developed in Hong Kong, the application, which is available for free download, supports three key languages—Cantonese, Mandarin, and English—and integrates extensive local knowledge databases, including publicly available government data. Initial testing indicates HKChat excels in providing hyper-specific regional advice, particularly in areas like public transit and local administrative logistics, often outperforming global competitors like ChatGPT and GrokAI in local context and accuracy.

Local Knowledge Proves Core Competitive Edge

The debut of HKChat marks a significant step in developing “regional AI” tailored to unique metropolitan needs. Unlike large-scale global models trained on vast, general datasets, HKChat’s strength lies in its “local expertise,” according to industry observers.

In direct comparison tests conducted by local media, HKChat demonstrated superior proficiency in navigating complex local scenarios. For example, when asked for the best route from the West Kowloon Palace Museum to the Central Observation Wheel, HKChat uniquely suggested using the newly opened West Kowloon Ferry. General AI models, lacking this up-to-the-minute local transit knowledge, primarily defaulted to recommending the MTR subway system, involving a complex pedestrian transfer.

Furthermore, HKChat accurately retrieved diverse, precise information requested by users, including:

• Ticket prices and opening hours for specialized museum exhibitions (e.g., the Ancient Egyptian Civilization exhibition).
• Details on electoral polling stations near border areas.
• The final medal count for the Hong Kong team at the National Games.
• The updated first registration tax rates for electric private vehicles.

While all tested models provided sufficient detail for a complex hiking query—traveling from Tseung Kwan O Station to Sunset Peak (Tai Tung Shan) to see the silvergrass—HKChat and GrokAI offered more granular descriptions of the trail and specific local bus routes (like the New Lantao Bus No. 3M) compared to ChatGPT.

Navigating the Limits of Regional AI

Despite its localized advantages, industry experts caution that regional AI, particularly one in a public testing phase, still has clear limitations. Francis Fong, Honorary President of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, stressed that while HKChat may not match the computational capacity or sophisticated generation of images and video seen in models from OpenAI or Google, its value lies in acting as a trusted “local guide.”

“If you are traveling, you would hire a local guide,” Fong noted. “HKChat serves that function for Hong Kong life.”

Fong also issued a strong reminder to the public that any AI response, even seemingly accurate ones concerning professional topics like law or medicine, should only be treated as a starting “opinion,” not professional advice. Users must still consult genuine experts for official guidance.

HKChat’s immediate success is evident; since launching its public beta, it has climbed to the top of the local App Store’s free application charts.

Registration and Future Outlook

The HKChat application requires users to register with an email address. Upon opening the app, users are prompted to allow access to location and microphone services. The interface allows text or voice input and offers quick-access shortcuts for common queries such as “Weather,” “Bus,” and “Law.”

Looking ahead, Fong believes that local AI has the potential to mirror the function of the widely used 1823 government hotline, evolving into a dedicated and highly efficient “mini-assistant” for citizens by simplifying access to local information, transport updates, and government department queries.

The public beta period will be critical for gathering user feedback, which developers will use to enhance the application’s overall accuracy and utility before its formal launch.