Hong Kong national security police ask former Confederation of Trade Unions members to provide information on disbanded group’s finances, operations
- An insider says authorities have requested information on the now-defunct group’s past activities and ‘details on its subordinate groups and their links to foreign alliances’
- The union was one of several opposition and activist groups targeted by the authorities since the Beijing-decreed national security law took effect in June 2020
Hong Kong national security officers have written to four former members of what was the city’s biggest opposition-leaning trade union asking for information from the disbanded group, including on its past operations and financial details, the Post has learned.
An insider said police’s National Security Department delivered letters to the individuals from the Confederation of Trade Unions (CTU), which folded in October of 2021, requesting they respond to a series of questions.
“The requested information included the organisation’s operations, past activities, financial sources and expenses, as well as details on its subordinate groups and their links to foreign alliances,” the source said, adding that the force was acting under the Societies Ordinance. “The four members have to reply by March 3.”
The Post was told that the requests were sent to former CTU chairman Joe Wong Nai-yuen, vice-chairman Tang Kin-wah, treasurer Chung Chun-fai and general secretary Lee Cheuk-yan, who is serving time behind bars over unauthorised assemblies.
Failure to comply with the police request could result in a fine of up to HK$100,000 (US$12,840) and six months behind bars. Those who provide false, incorrect or incomplete information face the same fine and a jail term of up to two years.
Another source said the CTU had yet to cancel its registration despite announcing its disbandment nearly five months ago.
According to the insider, the authorities’ demand was part of an investigation into allegations the group had colluded with foreign forces. An initial inquiry found the CTU was suspected of receiving HK$13 million in donations from the National Endowment for Democracy between 1994 and 2013 to promote political reform, the insider said. The money was thought to have been intended to promote illegal Occupy Central activities.