Six suspects in alleged Hong Kong bomb plot may face 20 years in jail
Police taking no chances as they form task force to assess risks to Hong Kong in light of arrests
Six out of 10 suspects arrested over an alleged bomb plot in Hong Kong could face up to 20 years in jail after they were charged jointly yesterday with conspiracy to cause an explosion.
The five men and one woman will appear in Kwun Tong Court today, according to police, while the rest are on bail pending investigation by the force's elite organised crime and triad bureau.
Officers from the bureau swooped on the 10 suspects - six men and four women aged 21 to 58 - in citywide raids on Sunday and Monday that also uncovered suspected explosives and bomb-making chemicals.
Police and a former senior law enforcer yesterday downplayed the likelihood of terrorism in the city. Nevertheless, the force began an operation codenamed "Jointbuilder" following a risk assessment in the light of this case.
"Apart from stepping up patrols in various districts, officers will visit companies selling chemicals or chemical products to conduct investigations and take enforcement action … if necessary," the force said.
It appealed to the public to "inform police … if they spot any suspicious persons or objects".