Hong Kong police arrested four male members of the Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union, aged 15 to 47, with three charged on July 7 for conspiracy to commit secession under the National Security Law. 

The 15-year-old male student involved in the case was denied bail and remanded to a juvenile detention center, while the other two -- a 26-year-old man surnamed Chan and a 25-year-old man surnamed Ng -- were also held without bail applications. 

The fourth man was released on bail and must report to police in early August.

Last year, the Union was formed by a group of Hong Kong individuals who fled to Taiwan, some of whom had been imprisoned for their involvement in black clad violence.

Insiders revealed the backgrounds of key members and how they incite students and vulnerable individuals in Hong Kong to promote independence and engage in illegal activities that could undermine national sovereignty.

Ideology becomes radical

A source revealed that an individual, once living a normal life—playing badminton, attending church, and engaging in bus photography—transformed after connecting with anti-China, pro-Hong Kong independence activists online. Their personality shifted to arrogance, and they posted inflammatory content online. 

The radicalization weakened their sense of lawfulness and morality, with one instance leading to indecent acts against a minor acquaintance.

The source stated that pro-Hong Kong independence organizations are targeting youths online, with violent individuals overseas inciting local youths to break the law. 

The arrestee, Chan, a graduate of the Hong Kong Design Institute, published artwork about resistance during the unrest and called for participation in the "Christmas Eve Revolution", hinting at violence against police. Chan was convicted of inciting unlawful assembly and received a one-year sentence. 

Supporters claimed his autism led to poor social skills and bullying, driving him to seek recognition online. 

Chan remained active in pro-independence circles.

As for another arrestee Ng, he posted protest messages and shared content from the defunct Apple Daily. Psychologists warn that exposure to biased information can radicalize individuals, fostering extremist ideologies and violence. 

The Union, founded in Taipei in November 2024 by Alan Keung Ka-wai, who fled to Taiwan, aims to recruit overseas Hong Kong residents for subverting state power and achieving Hong Kong independence. 

The group proposes five constitutional principles, prioritizing the elimination of the Communist Party and aggressively promoting separatist ideologies with yellow-and-black badges.

The organization has taken specific actions, including promoting the so-called "Hong Kong Constitution", establishing a provisional national flag and anthem, and threatening to establish military forces by training overseas Hongkongers to prepare for a return to Hong Kong for subversive activities.

In February, the Union held a press conference in Taiwan to announce their "constitutional framework", challenging national sovereignty and the constitutional order of the HKSAR. 

In June, they organized a flash mob to raise the black flag in Taipei, where they trampled on flags and played "Glory to Hong Kong", promoting separatist and anti-China messages.

During the unrest, Keung frequently appeared as a pastor and paramedic, but his qualifications were proven to be fake. 

Suspicion of falsifying pastor's identity

Sources indicate that Keung, a key figure in the Union, claimed to be a pastor at 22 but was exposed for this fabrication. He had previously joined the "Seventh-day Adventist Church" before starting his own church.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church severed ties with Keung, stating he was never ordained by them and that their ordination process is strict. 

Sources said he admitted to having only audited theology courses, and becoming a pastor in Hong Kong typically requires four years of training and five to seven years of pastoral work, making it nearly impossible to be ordained at age 22.

In 2012, Keung established a youth group in Tuen Mun -- renamed twice later on -- to attract local youth for low-cost activities. In 2016, he opened an education center, offering tutoring and activity classes for grassroots students.

However, Keung's partner said that various activities are being used to target unsuspecting young girls for unusual relationships. 

The Tuen Mun District Christian Church Union issued a statement via emails and texts, urging local churches and followers to be cautious when interacting with Keung to avoid misunderstandings.

During the social unrest, Keung often appeared as a pastor, first responder, and reporter. Investigations confirmed that his credentials were self-proclaimed or forged, with no recognition from mainstream churches.  

Keung was arrested for obstructing police and assaulting officers while using his media identity to hinder police operations. 

In early 2023, he and others sold inflammatory publications in Mong Kok, inciting hatred against the police and advocating subversion. He was ultimately arrested and sentenced to eight months in prison.

Concerns rise over young people engaging in threats to national security

The police’s National Security Department said it is concerned about impressionable youths being influenced by anti-China factions. They remind parents to understand their children’s social circles to prevent them from becoming political pawns, which could lead to lifelong imprisonment.

Police also noted that some overseas organizations are using social media to direct local followers to engage in activities that undermine national security.