Hong Kong prohibits financial dealings with 16 national security fugitives

Security minister Chris Tang invokes Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to also cancel passports of 12 overseas activists

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Hong Kong national security police earlier placed bounties of up to HK$1 million on overseas activists involved in a group called the “Hong Kong Parliament”. Photo: Jelly Tse

Published: 12:38pm, 4 Aug 2025Updated: 10:31pm, 4 Aug 2025

Hong Kong authorities have taken new punitive action against 16 overseas activists wanted for alleged national security offences, prohibiting anyone from funding them and cancelling most of the absconders’ passports.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung exercised powers under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance on Monday to list the 16 wanted activists involved in a group called the “Hong Kong Parliament” as absconders and impose new measures on them.

Authorities have deemed the group to be subversive and accused it of violating the Beijing-imposed 2020 national security law.

The group of 16 targeted activists comprised Victor Ho Leung-mau, who has been wanted since December last year, and 15 others who had HK$200,000 (US$25,500) bounties placed on their heads by national security police last month.

The government has prohibited anyone from making available or dealing with funds and certain activities in connection with the immovable property – or real estate – of all 16 wanted activists, while also banning any joint ventures or partnerships with them.

It also cancelled the Hong Kong passports of 12 absconders among the group.

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