Police have arrested a 32-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman linked to a pancake shop in Kwai Chung for allegedly posting seditious content in breach of national security laws.

Investigators said the man is suspected of repeatedly publishing social media posts with seditious intent on the shop’s platforms between October 2020 and October this year. He is also alleged to have financed activities that endangered national security.

Officers searched the shop at Kwai Chung Plaza on Monday (Nov 24), seizing cash and related documents. A small quantity of suspected cannabis was later found at the pair’s residence, leading to an additional allegation of possession of dangerous drugs.

It was learned that the shop owner had once hired Ng Tsz-lok -- the arrestee over a case of inciting others to commit riot -- to be the shopkeeper for one day and rewarded him with HK$100,000 in pay.

Sources said police suspect that the shop owner is using short-term employment as a cover to assist and engage in illegal and national security-threatening activities.

Both individuals are also suspected of committing the offense of “assisting offenders” and remain in custody for further investigation.

A post circulating on social media claimed the shop was cordoned off by police at noon on Monday, with tape sealing off the premises. A plainclothes officer was reportedly seen filming the investigation with a video camera.