Triad threats, America’s Got Talent triumph and other Hong Kong news stories from this week you need to know

Living in fear of triad revenge, the undercover Hong Kong policeman who helped bust gang

What’s the story: A Hong Kong police officer who infiltrated a triad gang for 11 months was sent on leave and permitted to carry a pistol at all times to guard against revenge attacks, sources disclosed. After enduring months of suspicion from gang bosses during which his weight dropped by 13kg, the officer was exposed after a police crackdown on Wo Shing Wo triad factions. He now fears for his life.

Why it matters: His super-sleuthing led to the arrest of 299 gangsters when hundreds of police officers raided suspects’ homes and unlicensed venues. A senior police source close to the investigation described the sting as one of the longest and most dangerous undercover operations in a decade.

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‘Touch’ your unborn child’s face as Hong Kong hospital offers service printing 3D models of foetuses for parents

What’s the story: A new service has allowed Hong Kong parents expecting a child to touch their baby’s face – even before he or she is born. They can now order 3D models of their foetus at Hong Kong Adventist Hospital in Tsuen Wan, the city’s first private hospital to offer such a service.

Why it matters: Though the service will be on offer to anyone willing to pay the hefty HK$6,000 price tag, it will especially benefit visually impaired parents unable to see ultrasound images.

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Hong Kong singing sensation Celine Tam to take on fellow youngsters on America’s Got Talent live shows

What’s the story: Pint-sized Hong Kong singing sensation Celine Tam Tsz-kwan is through to the live shows on US television talent programme America’s Got Talent, along with at least five other competitors under 12 years old. The nine year old captured hearts when she sang Canadian singer Celine Dion’s 1997 hit My Heart Will Go On during the show’s auditions.

Why it matters: With so many other young performers also making it through, the “cute factor” which helped propel Celine in earlier rounds may be lost in coming stages of the competition.

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Hong Kong police investigate democracy activist’s claim he was kidnapped and tortured by mainland China agents

What’s the story: A Hong Kong democracy activist claimed he was kidnapped in broad daylight by agents from mainland China, drugged, tortured and dumped at a beach. Democratic Party member Howard Lam Tsz-kin said his abductors punched staples into his legs.

Why it matters: Lam claimed the alleged incident was linked to his intention to send a signed postcard from Barcelona soccer star Lionel Messi to Liu Xia, widow of late Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. Democrats claimed it was a gross violation of the “one country, two systems” principle, and that Hongkongers needed assurances they still enjoyed “freedom from fear and abduction”.

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Questions over two-day delay on notice of palm oil spill that left 11 Hong Kong beaches closed

What’s the story: A ship collision and palm oil spill left nearly a dozen Hong Kong beaches closed. Residents of Lamma and Lantau islands noticed the white congealed substance washed up on several beaches in the area after it spilled into the sea when two boats crashed in mainland waters.

Why it matters: Environmental experts questioned why it took two days for mainland authorities to inform Hong Kong about the incident. “For some marine life, two days could be too late,” one expert said.

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