'Kill plot' thwarted as pair detained

Carine Chow

Anti-triad officers believe they have foiled a plan to kill key political figures in Hong Kong following the arrest of two men who posted their scheme on Facebook.

About 10,000 police, including the counter terrorism response unit, will be deployed on the streets tomorrow - one-third of the force's strength - to crack down on potential gatherings.

A 32-year-old construction worker named Cheung and a 29-year-old jobless man, Lee, were arrested for the alleged assassination plan in homes in Lam Tin and Tai Po yesterday. The worker was arrested for sedition, possession of arms and ammunition, and making explosives with intent. The jobless man was held for possession of imitation firearms.

Officers of the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau said at a press conference yesterday that the two men said on social media they wanted to kill some notable figures and cause bloodshed in police stations, though the officers refused to disclose the identities of the targets and places involved.

"They were public posts and people have liked the posts," said acting chief superintendent Ho Chun-tung.

Sources said the social media platform is Facebook.

Police have seized seven bags of powder weighing a total of 1.5 kilograms in the residential unit in Lam Tin. It is believed to be sulfur and potassium nitrate, which can be used to make explosives, along with syrup found in the room.

Officers also confiscated 580 rounds used in an industrial-use concrete nail gun, which contained gun powder, gun parts including barrels and triggers, as well as sketches of guns and ammunition-making.

Officers also seized five imitation guns and records of the duo discussing plans to make guns and ammunition in an apartment in Tai Po.

Alick McWhirter, a senior bomb disposal officer, said the amount of chemicals seized in Lam Tin was consistent with 1.5kg of gunpowder.

"One to 1.5kgs of gunpowder could result in a very serious explosion," he said.

"That this was being considered in a residential building was incredibly reckless."

Asked whether the explosives have any connection with the July 1 celebrations, Ho said: "We are still investigating the purposes of owning these items, but we cannot rule out the possibility that someone wants to hurt innocent citizens on some memorial days."

Officers said the case was relatively rare as the suspects were trying to make their own weapons by buying gun parts. Sources said police will look into street booths that breach social distancing measures or the national security law tomorrow.

carine.chow@singtaonewscorp.com