In a startling turn of events on January 14, 2025, the national security police in Hong Kong have detained the wife and son of Chung Kim-wah, a former deputy executive director of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI) and a notable figure in academia. The detentions are part of an ongoing investigation into serious allegations of national security offenses.

Chung Kim-wah, a prominent academic formerly associated with Polytechnic University, is currently wanted by authorities for inciting secession and collusion with foreign forces, charges stemming from the controversial national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. His whereabouts remain unknown, raising questions about his potential flight risk or efforts to evade authorities.

This morning, police escorted Chung's wife, identified as Ms. Ng, along with their son, to the police station as part of their line of inquiry. Their detention follows the earlier questioning of Robert Chung, the president of HKPORI, who was taken in for police interrogation amidst the unfolding scandal.

In a detailed operation, police swarmed the HKPORI office, executing a search warrant and confiscating a trove of documents. The aim was to uncover any evidence linking Chung Kim-wah to the institute and to investigate whether he received any financial aid from the organization or its employees.

Adding to the suspense, Chris Tang, the Secretary for Security, took to the press to address rising speculations regarding the nature of these detentions. He insisted that there is no direct involvement of HKPORI’s polling activities in the investigation, despite suspicions that may link Robert Chung to his fugitive colleague. Notably, as of now, no formal charges have been leveled against Robert Chung.

These developments come at a time of heightened scrutiny over national security laws in Hong Kong, which many human rights observers argue have been used as tools for suppressing dissent and curtailing freedoms. The implications of this investigation could be far-reaching, impacting public opinion research as well as institutional transparency in Hong Kong.

Stay tuned as this story develops, shedding light on the complexities of national security matters and the intricate web of political relationships in post-2019 Hong Kong. Will more arrests follow? Keep an eye out for updates as we unravel the truth behind this escalating situation!