Hong Kong police investigate emails containing fake images of lawmakers with nude women

Hong Kong police are investigating a spate of threatening emails sent to male lawmakers that contain fake images of the politicians in bed with naked women.

A Security Bureau spokesman said on Tuesday that the case had been referred to police, with the force noting that its cybersecurity and technology crime bureau was handling the matter. No arrests have been made so far.

The emails, written in Chinese and titled: “[Recipient’s name], you have committed serious misconduct”, came from a sender claiming to be a private investigator who “only wants money, not trouble”.

The sender claimed to have conducted long-term surveillance of the targeted lawmakers and demanded they contact a local phone number via WhatsApp.

“Upon receiving it, you must correct your attitude and contact me immediately to negotiate a resolution, ensuring this video does not spread further. Pay to avoid trouble,” the message said.

The video referenced in the message was a screen capture attached to the email, showing men resembling each recipient sitting on a bed with a naked woman.

The message threatened “consequences” if recipients failed to respond within a specified deadline.