HK’s counter-terrorism hotline receives over 28,000 messages

Since the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) launched the counter-terrorism hotline in June 2022, over 28,000 messages have been submitted as of mid-April, involving more than 7,000 tipoffs. Among them, over 13 percent offered information meriting further investigation, such as reports of explosives and prohibited weapons.

Among those reported cases, a netizen found a post related to terrorism and violence. After an investigation by the police, it was discovered that the post was linked to incitement. The individuals involved were arrested by the police.

Shortly after the launch of the counter-terrorism hotline, numerous reports were received with the public encouraged to “see something, say something,” said senior superintendent Leung Wai-ki of the HKPF’s interdepartmental counter-terrorism unit.

These included tipoffs about prohibited weapons, illegal possession of explosives, posts related to terrorism and violence on social media. In recent months, concerned residents reported suspected excessive storage of hazardous materials in residential buildings, and members of the public reported suspicious objects left by the roadside.

Some of these cases received “counter-terrorism rewards,” with the highest amount being a five-figure sum. Additionally, certain reports that do not involve violent activities have also been referred to other police reward programs or the “good citizen award,” resulting in the issuance of rewards.

“Under the active promotion of the counter-terrorism unit, the awareness of ‘everyone against terrorism, report when in doubt’ has begun to deeply root in the public’s mind,” Junior Police Officers’ Association chairman Lam Chi-wai told the Global Times.