Beijing national security authorities carry out operation with police in Hong Kong

Beijing’s national security authorities in Hong Kong launched a joint operation with local counterparts on Thursday over a case of suspected collusion with foreign forces.

The investigation is believed to be the first publicly known joint operation by Beijing’s national security arm in the city and the local police force.

According to authorities, six people and an organisation were suspected of having committed the offence of “collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security” under the Beijing-decreed national security law between November 2020 and June 2024.

The Office for Safeguarding National Security had requested assistance and support from the city’s national security police, in arranging interviews with the people involved in the case, the government said on Thursday.

National security police also raided the residences of six people and the organisation’s office in a commercial building in Kwai Chung. Seized exhibits included bank documents and devices, it added.

More to follow …