Hong Kong immigration staff member arrested over data leak of more than 100 people since start of anti-government protests
- The 25-year-old clerical assistant will appear in Eastern Court on Saturday morning
- She is alleged to have leaked private data of more than 100 individuals, including politicians and civil servants
A Hong Kong immigration staff member was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of leaking online the private data of more than 100 individuals, including politicians and civil servants, since the start of the anti-government protests in June last year, police have said.
The force also slammed internet users for describing the arrest action as “abduction in broad daylight” after a video clip of the operation went viral.
The 25-year-old clerical assistant, who joined the department two years ago, has been charged with one count of misconduct in public office and another count of accessing a computer with criminal or dishonest intent. She will appear in Eastern Court on Saturday morning.
Superintendent Wilson Tam Wai-shun, of the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau, said officers mounted an operation in Wan Chai on Thursday morning after discussions with the Immigration Department.
“Initial investigation shows that over the past year, she was suspected to have repeatedly leaked private data of individuals in doxxing groups on social media. At least 100 cases are involved,” Tam said on Friday evening.
“We believe she has entered the immigration system and obtained the information illegally.”