Police refute unfounded allegation
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     With regard to a newspaper report today (September 21) in which the father of a detainee in Mainland alleged Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) for tracking his son’s communication records and colluding with the Mainland authorities in detaining 12 Hong Kong citizens, Police strongly refute and express regret over such serious but unfounded allegation.
 
     HKPF was notified through the Reciprocal Notification Mechanism on August 28 that the Mainland authorities had arrested 12 subjects suspected of illegally crossing the border (boundary) in Mainland waters on August 23. The Mainland authorities are handling the case according to the law and the enforcement action was totally unrelated to HKPF.
 
     Upon receiving the notification, HKPF immediately informed the family members of the arrested persons and provided them with the channels of seeking assistance from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. HKPF is closely liaising with the Mainland authorities on the case progress and will follow up as appropriate.
 
     In addition, Wan Chai Police Station received a report from a woman yesterday (September 20), stating that six Hong Kong citizens are being detained by the Mainland authorities and requesting police assistance. The case has been classified as “Request for Police Assistance” and is being handled by the District Crime Squad of Wan Chai District. Police are liaising with relevant persons for taking statement.
 
     In today’s media report, the father of one of the 12 detainees pointed out that he had made a report to Police on August 26 in connection with his son being missing. Police confirmed that in the late hours of August 26, a man made a report to Tsuen Wan Police Station stating that his son left his residence on August 23, claiming to go fishing with friends for several days. The informant later lost contact with his son.
 
     While making the report, the informant provided to police officers the contact phone number of his missing son. With the consent of and witnessed by the informant, police officers made use of a messaging mobile application (WhatsApp) to check his son’s last online time and status for initial enquiry. Police reiterate that the communication records of the informant’s son was never acquired. The informant is welcome to contact Police on the handling of the case if there is any misunderstanding.    

Ends/Monday, September 21, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:15

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