Security guards charged with subversion in National Security crackdown

Hong Kong police charged two security guards with conspiring to subvert state power, following a raid on a suspected illegal military training site where weapons were seized.

Hong Kong's national security police raided an industrial building unit last week, uncovering what they believed was an illegal military training location. 

They confiscated air guns and suspected explosives, leading to the arrest of 10 people under the city's Safeguarding National Security Ordinance for illegal drilling. 

This marked the first use of the illegal drilling offense in such a case.

Among those arrested, two male security guards faced additional charges of conspiracy to subvert state power.

The 24-year-old and 25-year-old men allegedly conspired with others between 2021 and December 11, 2025, to organize, plan, or participate in acts using force, threats of force, or other unlawful means to overthrow or undermine the People's Republic of China's fundamental system, central government organs, or Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's governing bodies, or to severely interfere with their functions.

The case made its first court appearance today at West Kowloon Magistrates' Court. 

A national security law-designated judge adjourned proceedings until March 20 next year to allow further police investigation, including analysis of the defendants' phones, USB drives, firearms, explosives, and communication devices. 

Both men remain in custody pending the next hearing.