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2026
Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) today laid charges against seven individuals and two companies with a total of 25 counts of offences, in relation to the Wang Fuk Court fire on November 26, 2025. The offences include manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, attempting to pervert the course of public justice, and tax evasion. The two cases were mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said it is highly concerned about the Wang Fuk Court fire, including the criminal investigations. Following the disaster, Police and the ICAC swiftly set up the largest joint investigation task force in recent years to conduct comprehensive investigations in full swing within just six months into the causes of the fire, and possible corruption in the major renovation project of the residential estate. A total of 35 individuals have been arrested to date. Today's charges followed thorough investigations by the task force's officers and legal advice from the Department of Justice. Police charged three men and two companies jointly with five counts of manslaughter. Meanwhile, the ICAC charged five men, two women and two companies, including all those charged by Police, with a total of 20 offences. The offences include conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, attempting to pervert the course of public justice, and tax evasion. Police and the ICAC have not ruled out further law enforcement actions as their investigations are ongoing.
(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)Chief Executive John Lee today said that the Government introducing subsidiary legislation for safeguarding national security is purely to make the law even clearer in the classification mechanism for offences that relate to endangering national security. Speaking ahead of this morning's Executive Council meeting, Mr Lee explained the introduction of the subsidiary legislation. He said: “The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Section 7 makes mention of the offence of endangering national security, and includes other offences endangering national security under the law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.” Mr Lee highlighted that the purpose of introducing the subsidiary legislation is to make it clear how offences endangering national security under the laws of Hong Kong will be so classified. “It is not intended, and will not expand the definition of the offences. It is not adding any new offences, any new power or punishment, and it also does not expand the scope of application of the law. “Having a clearer mechanism of classifying offences endangering national security will have the benefit of reducing the risk of controversies or debates in court about what constitutes an offence endangering national security,” he added.
The Chief Executive in Council today approved enactment of the Safeguarding National Security (Procedural Matters) Regulation (Procedural Matters Regulation) under section 110 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO). The Procedural Matters Regulation was also published in the Government Gazette today and came into effect immediately. The subsidiary legislation was enacted to clarify the classification mechanism for "other offences endangering national security under the law of the HKSAR", as specified under the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKNSL) and the SNSO. The objective is to reflect the legislative intent of the HKNSL and the SNSO, and to better carry into effect the relevant provisions of both. In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it continuously reviews the city’s current legal system and enforcement mechanisms, with a view to fulfilling its constitutional responsibility in relation to safeguarding national security. Where the need for improvement or clarification is needed, it added, legislative proposals will be introduced in a timely manner. The statement added that, with reference to the legislative intent of the HKNSL, section 7 of the SNSO and relevant Court of Final Appeal case law define “offences endangering national security” as including: offences under the HKNSL, the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR, and the SNSO itself; as well as other offences under Hong Kong law, as referenced in section 7(d) of the SNSO, where the conduct in a particular case is, by its nature, considered to endanger national security. In this connection, the Hong Kong SAR Government considered it necessary to clarify the classification mechanism under the HKNSL and SNSO for "other offences endangering national security under the law of the HKSAR" by way of subsidiary legislation, in order to better carry into effect section 7(d) of the SNSO and the provisions applicable to offences endangering national security in the HKNSL, the SNSO and other laws. The Procedural Matters Regulation states that if the Chief Executive issues a certificate under Article 47 of the HKNSL or section 115 of the SNSO to certify that an act in a criminal case involves national security, then the case will be treated as one involving an offence endangering national security, as mentioned in Article 41 of the HKNSL and section 7(d) of the SNSO. The Hong Kong SAR Government highlighted that the relevant provisions on certificates issued by the Chief Executive are entirely consistent with common law principles. It noted that courts in common law jurisdictions including Hong Kong and the United Kingdom are all of the view that executive authorities are in a better position than the courts to make appropriate assessments and judgements on matters of national security. As such, judicial authorities defer to the assessments and judgements of executive authorities in such instances. The Hong Kong SAR Government also pointed out that the mechanism for the Chief Executive to issue a certificate under Article 47 of the HKNSL or section 115 of the SNSO, and the provisions applicable to offences endangering national security in laws such as the HKNSL and the SNSO, are all existing provisions that have been operating effectively. It stressed that the Procedural Matters Regulation does not alter those provisions, the scope of application of the HKNSL and SNSO, or the definition of “offence endangering national security”. The regulation also does not create any new offence, penalty or enforcement power. The statement emphasised that the enactment of the Procedural Matters Regulation refines details of relevant procedural matters and brings greater certainty to the implementation of relevant provisions under the HKNSL, the SNSO and other laws. The Hong Kong SAR Government iterated that relevant provisions under the HKNSL, the SNSO and other laws are only applicable to a small number of criminals who commit offences endangering national security, and will not affect the lives of the general public, or the normal operation of organisations and institutions. Law-abiding individuals, organisations and institutions will therefore by no means be affected by the Procedural Matters Regulation, it said.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Government of Uzbekistan have exchanged notes on an agreement to discuss the implementation details of a mutual visa-free arrangement that would extend visa-free travel to 30 days for both Hong Kong SAR and Uzbek passport holders. The exchange of notes was witnessed by Chief Executive John Lee and Uzbek Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov. Following the ceremony, both governments will immediately advance discussions to implement the visa-free arrangement as soon as possible. Currently, Hong Kong SAR passport holders can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for 10 days. Holders of diplomatic and service passports from Uzbekistan can visit Hong Kong visa-free for 14 days, and holders of ordinary passports must apply for a visa to visit Hong Kong. The Hong Kong SAR Government said the establishment of a mutual visa-free arrangement is aimed at boosting economic, trade and tourism co-operation with Central Asia.
The Judiciary today announced its plan to establish the Hong Kong International Commercial Court (HKICC), a specialist division of the High Court, to adjudicate complex, high-value international and cross-boundary commercial disputes. Its establishment is designed to strengthen Hong Kong’s standing as both an international financial centre and a leading international dispute resolution hub, in alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Judiciary said the HKICC’s establishment marks a significant development in Hong Kong’s judicial system under the “one country, two systems” principle and comes in response to increasing demand for a specialist judicial forum dedicated to addressing the legal and factual complexities arising from the significant growth in international and cross-border commercial activities in recent years. It said the resolution of such disputes requires specialist judicial expertise, as well as tailored court procedures and practices to enhance flexibility and efficiency. The HKICC is designed to meet these needs, while maintaining the core values and safeguards of Hong Kong’s legal system, which is firmly rooted in the common law. The HKICC will complement Hong Kong’s existing dispute resolution framework. Besides arbitration and mediation, the HKICC will provide parties engaged in international and cross-boundary commerce with a comprehensive range of dispute resolution options. It promises transparency, authoritative judicial determinations, a structured appellate process, and the certainty of enforceable judgments, including their recognition and enforcement on the Mainland under relevant two-way arrangements. Local judges with substantial experience in commercial law will sit on the HKICC. Eminent senior judges or practitioners from other common law jurisdictions may also be invited to sit on an ad hoc basis in accordance with the existing legal framework. Assessors and experts may be engaged, where appropriate, to assist the judges in specialised areas. It is anticipated these arrangements will enhance the HKICC’s expertise and international standing, and promote the development of its jurisprudence in line with international best practices, while remaining solidly based on Hong Kong law. The High Court Ordinance and the Rules of the High Court provide the necessary legal framework for the establishment of the HKICC as a division of the High Court. A dedicated Practice Direction will be issued for the HKICC to prescribe the categories of cases within its jurisdiction and to set out detailed court procedures. These will include measures to streamline the litigation process, provide a more flexible regime for the handling of appeals, and ensure the timely disposal of cases and appeals, with reference to the best practices of other international commercial courts. A floor in the High Court Building will be designated for use by the HKICC. In line with international practice, and reflecting the international and cross-jurisdictional nature of cases, the HKICC will make extensive use of technology in handling cases, including remote hearings, electronic filing, electronic bundles, and voice-to-text transcription. The Judiciary stressed that the establishment of the HKICC represents its firm commitment to judicial excellence and professionalism, and to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a highly respected forum for dispute resolution, thereby reinforcing its enduring role within the global legal and commercial community. The Judiciary aims to establish the HKICC within the coming year. Preparatory work is already under way, and stakeholders, in particular the legal profession, will be consulted in due course. Welcoming the Judiciary’s announcement on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Chief Executive John Lee said that the National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly points the way to strengthening the rule of law in foreign affairs; improving mechanisms for international commercial mediation, arbitration and litigation; supporting Hong Kong to consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial, shipping, aviation and trade centre; and deepening its development as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre. Mr Lee stated: “The Hong Kong SAR is the only common law jurisdiction in the country. Hong Kong’s commercial and trade laws based on common law are internationally compatible, and well trusted by international businesses or investors. The establishment of the HKICC fully demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique advantages under ‘one country, two systems’ of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. “It will contribute new and greater strength to the country’s high-level opening up, while further promoting the development of international commercial rules. “The establishment of the HKICC will strengthen Hong Kong’s core capabilities and advantages in international litigation, complementing Hong Kong’s existing international arbitration and mediation services to provide global enterprises or investors with diversified and comprehensive options for dispute resolution. “This will further enhance the international competitiveness of Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution services, propelling Hong Kong to a higher level of development in international dispute resolution services.” Secretary for Justice Paul Lam remarked that the HKICC will focus on handling complex and high-value international commercial disputes. He highlighted the jurists presiding over the cases will include not only judges from Hong Kong, but also judges with high prestige and experience in other common law jurisdictions. Mr Lam said that he Hong Kong SAR Government has the utmost confidence that the HKICC will not only deliver authoritative and convincing rulings in the cases it hears, but also make significant contributions through its jurisprudence to the development of international commercial law. He added that this will further consolidate the international reputation and status of Hong Kong’s common law system, enabling the city to better leverage its unique advantages in this regard under “one country, two systems”.
The Government today launched a one-month public consultation on proposed amendments to the Fire Services Ordinance and its related subsidiary legislation. The proposed changes aim to modernise the fire safety legislative framework, enhance public safety and streamline enforcement effectiveness, while meeting public expectations for improved fire safety. Following the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Government established the Task Force on Strengthening Fire Safety Governance, chaired by the Secretary for Security, to implement medium-to-long-term initiatives to improve fire safety governance. A core component of these measures is a comprehensive review of the ordinance, its subsidiary legislation and the statutory responsibilities of various stakeholders. The Security Bureau emphasised that the Government attaches great importance to maintaining high fire safety standards to protect lives and property. To consolidate Hong Kong's regulatory framework, the bureau proposed amending the principal ordinance alongside three pieces of subsidiary legislation: the Fire Service (Installation Contractors) Regulations, the Fire Service (Installations & Equipment) Regulations, and the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation. These amendments will strengthen the registration regime for fire service installation contractors, enhance maintenance and inspection standards for building fire equipment and optimise fire hazard abatement procedures. The bureau noted that the updates will also bolster the Fire Services Department’s enforcement powers in specific areas, including combating illicit fuelling activities. In response to the public's expectations for enhanced fire safety, the Government will finalise the legislative proposal swiftly after the public consultation, aiming to introduce the Bill to the Legislative Council this year. Members of the public can submit their views in writing by email or by mail to the Legislation Amendment Working Group, South Wing, 5/F, Fire Services Department Headquarters Building, 1 Hong Chong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, on or before June 25. Click here for the consultation document.
The Department of Justice said today that allegations involving the newly appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and another officer are entirely fabricated, and called the spreading of false allegations a despicable act. The remarks came in a statement issued in response to media enquiries relating to a social media post. It said it had taken note that serious allegations involving the DPP and another DoJ officer were circulating online. The department said that a rigorous investigation was carried out, pursuant to an earlier anonymous complaint and in accordance with established procedures, and that it was confident that the allegations are completely without factual basis, entirely fabricated, and constitute malicious smearing. It condemned attempts to spread rumours online about dedicated prosecutors performing their duties and safeguarding national security as ill-intentioned, malicious and despicable, adding that these rumours were intended to defame public officers, the Prosecutions Division, and even the reputation of the entire department. It stressed that the public should not be misled by unfounded allegations, or become a party to the spreading of rumours. The department has referred the matter to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and corresponding actions to severely punish lawbreakers in accordance with the law. It emphasised that it attaches great importance to the integrity and professional conduct of its officers, and that all departmental personnel, regardless of rank or duties, perform their responsibilities with the highest standards of professional excellence and ethics. The department iterated that it will continue to provide professional legal services to the Government in accordance with the law.
Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Prosecutor General of the Republic of Kazakhstan Berik Assylov signed bilateral agreements on the surrender of fugitive offenders (SFO), mutual legal assistance in criminal matters (MLA) and the transfer of sentenced persons (TSP) today on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Kazakhstan. “Both Hong Kong and Kazakhstan are committed players in the international efforts to fight crimes. The signing of the agreements on SFO, MLA and TSP today represents an important step forward in legal co-operation between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan,” Mr Tang said at the signing ceremony. Under the Basic Law, the Hong Kong SAR Government may, with the authorisation of the Central People's Government, make appropriate arrangements with foreign states for reciprocal juridical assistance. The SFO agreement sets out the conditions for the surrender of fugitive offenders between the Hong Kong SAR and Kazakhstan and contains the usual safeguards found in similar international agreements, including that the conduct must constitute an offence according to the laws of both parties, and surrender may be refused if the offence is punishable with the death penalty. The MLA agreement between the Hong Kong SAR and Kazakhstan contains the essential features and safeguards of international agreements of this type. Assistance covered by the agreement includes identifying and locating persons, serving documents, taking evidence, executing requests for search and seizure, providing information and confiscating proceeds of crime. The TSP agreement embodies the shared conviction of Hong Kong and Kazakhstan that allowing sentenced persons to return to their places of origin, where there are no language or cultural barriers and where friends and relatives can pay more regular visits, is conducive to their rehabilitation. Hong Kong's policy is therefore to facilitate such transfers between Hong Kong and other jurisdictions as far as possible.
The Government today announced it issued the red outbound travel alert for the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on public health considerations, reminding Hong Kong residents to avoid non-essential travel there. The Government announced on May 17 the activation of the Alert Response Level in accordance with the Preparedness and Response Plan for Ebola Virus Disease. The relevant departments are fully prepared. Once a suspected case is identified, testing and comprehensive prevention and control measures will be implemented immediately in accordance with established protocols to prevent the spread of the virus in Hong Kong. The Government emphasised that no confirmed cases of Ebola disease have ever been recorded locally. At present, the risk of Ebola disease is primarily confined to outbreak areas and the immediate public health impact to Hong Kong is currently low. The World Health Organization recently declared that the Ebola disease epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The Department of Health (DH) has assessed the risk of local transmission spreading to other regions as very high. The Government has therefore issued a red outbound travel alert for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Hong Kong residents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who need assistance can call the Immigration Department (ImmD)'s 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD's mobile app. They can also send message the 1868 WhatsApp or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit an online assistance request form. Alternatively, they may contact the local Chinese Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at (243) 851474669. Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong. The information provided allows the DH and ImmD to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means or a timely manner when necessary. The DH has all along conducted health screenings for inbound travellers at all boundary control points. From May 17 to 20, 11 individuals who declared having visited the relevant regions underwent health assessments by the DH. No suspected cases of Ebola disease were identified. DH staff also provided these individuals with health information on the spot, reminding them to seek immediate medical advice at accident and emergency departments if they develop symptoms within 21 days of arrival in Hong Kong. In collaboration with the Hospital Authority, the DH has established procedures for handling high-risk specimens related to suspected cases to ensure that, should a suspected case arise in Hong Kong, testing can be conducted as quickly as possible.
The Department of Justice is presenting the interactive drama “Rule of Law Academy - Adventure to the Stars” starring Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre from today to tomorrow. This large-scale show, returning by popular demand, aims to promote rule of law education to senior primary students and parents. The two performances are expected to attract an audience of over 2,000. Through an engaging adventure story, the play integrates the concept of the rule of law into the plot in a lively and interactive manner. Mr Lam and Mr Cheung sing and dance as the Principal and Vice-principal of the Rule of Law Academy to convey the message of upholding the rule of law. By participating in the interactive sessions, the audience helps the protagonists overcome challenges to attain the “Rule of Law Star” distinction, experiencing how values such as fairness and equality, honesty and integrity, solidarity and mutual support, as well as a law-abiding spirit, can be practised in everyday life. Under the “Rule of Law through Drama” project, the Department of Justice has been promoting law-abiding awareness and the spirit of the rule of law through stage performances. The project has presented over 350 shows to local primary schools since its launch in 2021.