Hunt on for 100 Hong Kong rioters who took ‘active role’ in Mong Kok mayhem
As police examine surveillance camera footage, elite unit investigates whether radical localist groups received donations from secret backers
Police are hunting for another 100 suspects who played an “active role” hurling bricks, setting fires and causing mayhem in the Mong Kok riot a fortnight ago, the Post has learnt.
Sources in the force said as most of them had concealed their faces with masks, goggles, hats and clothing, police had deployed a special team to pore over surveillance camera footage to figure out their identities.
The Post understands the elite organised crime and triad bureau is also investigating whether the rioters received financial support from secret backers.
Of the 100 suspects, a source with knowledge of the investigation said: “Officers could only identify them when their masks were removed and they were captured by surveillance cameras. That is why we have to seize hundreds of CCTV recordings from different channels to check.”
Describing them as “active” participants of the clashes that left nearly 130 people injured, the source added: “They were on the site, hurling bricks, setting fires, assaulting police, damaging public properties and involved in the clashes with officers.”
Another source said police would trace others who played a less active role later, and the force might release photographs of the masked rioters to seek the public’s help in identifying them.
So far, 74 people – 65 males and nine females – have been arrested. The youngest are two 14-year-old girls out on bail. More than 40 were charged with rioting.