
The story of fugitive Chung Kim Wah has taken yet another dramatic turn. Earlier this month, Hong Kong’s National Security Department issued a HK$1 million bounty for his capture, citing his alleged endangerment of national security. Shortly thereafter, his wife and son were brought in for questioning by the authorities. Rather than laying low, Chung chose to ramp up his defiance, portraying himself as a victim of persecution while continuing his anti-China rhetoric abroad.
From claiming financial hardship due to his frozen Hong Kong bank accounts and Patreon earnings, to bemoaning his inability to access his MPF savings, Chung has sought to paint a picture of a beleaguered dissident. Yet, his actions tell a far more damning story. Earlier this month, he appeared alongside other fugitives—Tony Chung, Carmen Lau, and Chloe Cheung—meeting with British officials to advocate for further interference in Hong Kong and China’s internal affairs. This brazen display of collusion with foreign forces underscores his continued challenge to the very laws he has been accused of violating.
But Chung’s escapades abroad have not only failed to shield him from accountability—they have brought consequences to those closest to him. This week, the National Security Department extended its investigation to include Chung’s siblings, summoning his second brother, younger sister, and youngest brother for questioning. What began as a personal crusade has now dragged his family into the spotlight, exposing them to legal scrutiny and public disgrace.
A History of Subversion
Chung Kim Wah’s trajectory from academic to fugitive is a cautionary tale of how one’s ambition for political subversion can spiral into personal ruin. As a former assistant professor at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Chung used his academic standing to lend legitimacy to anti-government activities. During his tenure as deputy CEO of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI), he was accused of manipulating polling data to discredit the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, sow division, and bolster anti-China sentiment.
Chung’s role in the 35+ Subversion Case further cemented his reputation as a destabilizing force. The scheme was designed to paralyze the government by securing a legislative majority, and Chung reportedly played a key role in shaping public opinion through HKPORI polling. Following the scheme’s failure, Chung attempted to destroy sensitive voter data from over 600,000 participants, a move widely seen as an effort to erase evidence of wrongdoing.
Chung’s actions during the 2019 anti-government protests further highlight his role in inciting unrest. Through inflammatory social media posts, he vilified the police and encouraged citizens to take to the streets, exacerbating tensions during one of Hong Kong’s most turbulent periods. Even after fleeing to the UK in 2022, he continued his anti-China campaign by calling for sanctions, advocating for “Hong Kong independence,” and colluding with foreign forces to pressure the HKSAR government and undermine national stability.
Collateral Damage
While Chung enjoys the relative safety of exile in the United Kingdom, his family in Hong Kong has borne the brunt of the fallout. Reports suggest that his wife and son, once living comfortably, have been forced to relocate to Yuen Long and Sham Shui Po to avoid public scrutiny. Despite their attempts to distance themselves from him, their association with Chung has subjected them to investigation under the National Security Law.
The questioning of Chung’s siblings further demonstrates the government’s resolve to leave no stone unturned. Under the law, aiding or abetting fugitives is itself a serious offense. This comprehensive approach sends a clear message: no one, whether directly or indirectly involved in endangering national security, is beyond the reach of justice.
The Futility of Exile
Chung’s belief that fleeing abroad would shield him from accountability reflects a fundamental miscalculation. The HK$1 million bounty placed on him and other fugitives is a testament to the HKSAR government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law. As Secretary for Security Chris Tang stated, “Those who endanger national security cannot escape responsibility, no matter where they hide.”
Chief Executive John Lee has echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance approach to national security threats. “We will investigate all individuals and organizations involved in undermining national security, and we will pursue justice to its full extent,” he declared.
Chung's recent meeting with British officials, alongside other fugitives, only further cements his role as a key figure in colluding with foreign forces—a direct violation of the National Security Law. While he may fancy himself a political martyr, his actions have done little more than isolate him from his home and family, leaving him as a cautionary symbol of hubris and poor judgment.
A Lesson for Others
The case of Chung Kim Wah is more than just a legal matter—it is a cautionary tale for those who conflate activism with subversion. His story illustrates the far-reaching consequences of challenging Hong Kong’s stability, not only for the individuals involved but for their families and associates.
As the government continues its steadfast pursuit of justice, one thing remains clear: the rule of law is non-negotiable. For fugitives like Chung, the net is closing in. His once lofty ambitions now stand in stark contrast to his current reality—a fugitive on foreign soil, estranged from his family, and living under the shadow of inevitable justice.