Hong Kong police arrest 21 men, including private tutor, for sharing indecent images of children

Hong Kong police have apprehended 21 men, one of whom was a private tutor, for allegedly creating and disseminating indecent images of children on social media. The suspects, aged between 19 and 47, were part of a social media group that shared such images, which were produced through up-skirting and other covert means. Over 7,200 photos and 120 videos were recovered during a week-long police operation, dubbed Bravestrike, which involved seizing electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and external hard drives.

Some of the images were reportedly secretly filmed in public places across the city, including shopping malls, MTR stations, and other forms of public transportation. Superintendent Wong Yick-lung of the force’s Kowloon East regional crime headquarters stated that a private tutor had photographed a female student’s intimate parts during a lesson and shared the images on the online platform.

The arrested individuals have been released on bail, pending further investigation, and are required to report to the police later this month.

Among the suspects, eight were charged with possession of child pornography, while the remaining 13 were accused of unlawfully recording intimate parts and distributing images without consent. The arrested men have been granted bail, but they must appear before the police in the coming months. Police have also warned that individuals who view and subscribe to social media groups that share indecent images of children are considered "accomplices" and could face prosecution for encouraging or instructing others to film or upload the material.

Authorities are currently investigating the number of victims and their ages and will work to trace the indecent material to its source using Interpol’s International Child Sexual Exploitation database. In addition, police are seeking the removal of the social media group and the online images. Parents are advised to remain vigilant for signs of sexual abuse, especially if they have hired private tutors, who often spend time alone with their students.

Superintendent Wong recommended that parents ask prospective tutors to undergo a Sexual Conviction Record Check with the police to ensure their integrity.

Voyeuristic image-sharing groups have become prevalent throughout East Asia, including in Hong Kong. Last year, police arrested ten individuals linked to an online platform selling upskirt images of women, which had attracted nearly 9,000 subscribers and generated around HK$4 million in revenue. Rights groups have emphasized that producing, sharing, and viewing such images constitute sexual abuse of women and can lead to long-term harm.

Under Hong Kong law, possession of child pornography and the unlawful recording of intimate parts are punishable by up to five years in prison, while "producing or publishing child pornography" carries a maximum penalty of eight years in jail.