On May 8, 2025, the Hong Kong Police Force's National Security Department took action against relatives of former artist Wan King-kei, detaining his cousin Kan Wai-shing, aged 57, and cousin-in-law Lee Po-yan, aged 58, at their residence in Shatin. This move is part of an ongoing investigation into Wan's alleged collusion with foreign forces and activities deemed to endanger national security.
Wan, now 62 years old, is facing serious charges under the Hong Kong National Security Law, specifically for 'inciting secession' and 'colluding with foreign or overseas forces to endanger national security.' Authorities allege that from July 2020 to June 2024, he operated a social media channel named 'HongKonger Station,' where he published numerous videos inciting secession and called for foreign sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials.
The police had issued a bounty of HK$1 million for Wan at the end of December 2024, marking him as a wanted individual. Wan left Hong Kong on June 25, 2020, just days before the implementation of the controversial national security law, which critics argue undermines freedoms in the territory.
The police operation on May 8 began early in the morning when Wan's relatives were taken from their home in Scenic Garden. Lee was brought to Tin Sum Police Station and released around 11 AM, while Kan was taken to Shatin Police Station, completing his investigation by noon.
This latest development comes as the National Security Department continues its crackdown on individuals accused of endangering national security, with six new wanted persons added to their list at the end of last year. These individuals are accused of continuing activities harmful to national security after fleeing Hong Kong.
In addition to his legal troubles, Wan recently attempted to enter Canadian politics. He represented the Conservative Party in the Don Valley North constituency during the Canadian federal election but lost to Liberal candidate Maggie Chi, who received 53% of the vote compared to Wan's 42.6%. Wan's campaign was marked by his portrayal of himself as a victim of political persecution.
Despite his defeat, Wan's activities have drawn significant attention. He has been accused of using inflammatory rhetoric to incite hatred against the Hong Kong and Chinese governments, leveraging his status as a wanted fugitive to garner sympathy and support from voters.
During the 2019 protests in Hong Kong, Wan was a prominent figure, often appearing at violent demonstrations and openly supporting the rioters. His actions during this period have been cited as evidence of his alleged crimes, with authorities claiming he incited violence and undermined societal order.
Following the implementation of the national security law, Wan and his wife fled to Canada, where he has continued to engage in anti-China activities, including establishing the 'HongKonger Station' platform to promote his views and solicit foreign intervention in Hong Kong affairs.
In March 2025, Wan's political ambitions led him to use his status as a fugitive to appeal for support in Canada, where he has been involved in various anti-China demonstrations and has called for foreign sanctions against Hong Kong officials.
As the situation unfolds, the Hong Kong government remains resolute in its stance against what it describes as attempts to undermine national security. Security Secretary Chris Tang has emphasized that individuals who believe they can evade justice by residing abroad are mistaken, asserting that the government will pursue all means to bring offenders to justice.
Authorities have urged fugitives to return voluntarily to Hong Kong and surrender, suggesting that this is the only viable path to avoid further legal repercussions. The ongoing investigation into Wan and his associates reflects the broader efforts of the Hong Kong government to maintain order and uphold the law in the face of ongoing challenges to its authority.
As the international community watches closely, the implications of Wan's case extend beyond the borders of Hong Kong, raising questions about the balance between national security and individual freedoms in the region. The actions taken by the Hong Kong authorities are seen as a test of their commitment to enforcing the national security law while also navigating the complexities of public opinion and international scrutiny.
In summary, the detention of Wan King-kei's relatives marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into his alleged activities against the state. As the authorities continue their efforts to address perceived threats to national security, the case underscores the tensions between dissent and governance in Hong Kong.
