National Security Police arrests 71-year-old over Tai Po fire-related posts and leaking investigation details

National Security Department officers arrested a 71-year-old local man Saturday for allegedly disclosing details of an ongoing national security probe and posting inflammatory content about the Wang Fuk Court blaze that incited hatred against the Hong Kong and central governments.

Police said the man had been invited to Mong Kok police station on December 2 to assist with a national security investigation and was explicitly warned not to reveal any details.

The following day he nevertheless published information about the process on social media, an act authorities regard as illegally tipping off others.

Separately, in the aftermath of the fatal fire, he allegedly spread a large volume of inflammatory material online, accusing both the SAR and central authorities of exploiting the disaster for political gain and calling relief efforts performative.

Police described these posts as designed to stoke hatred and widen divisions between Hong Kong and the mainland.

Officers also highlighted several false claims circulating after the blaze—including allegations of armored vehicles being deployed against victims and volunteers, mainland-accented individuals looting aid, and inadequate firefighting equipment—as deliberate attempts to inflame tensions.

The man is being held on suspicion of breaching no prejudicing of investigation of offenses endangering national security and seditious intention.