No Escape via Family: First Charge Under SNSO Fund Clause Hits Anna Kwok’s Father

Fugitives who flee Hong Kong under the banner of “justice” often leave behind a trail of legal and emotional devastation—not only for the city, but also for their own families. One such case is that of fugitive Anna Kwok Fung-yee, who has become a symbol of the consequences borne by loved ones left behind. The recent arrest and prosecution of her father, and the detention of her brother, demonstrate how deeply her actions have impacted those closest to her.

Anna Kwok, 28, left Hong Kong in early 2020 and later became executive director of the US-based Hong Kong Democracy Council (HKDC), an organization known for lobbying against China and Hong Kong. During her time overseas, she has repeatedly urged foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and Chinese officials, and has appeared at events and hearings to publicly criticize the city’s leadership. Her activities, which authorities say amount to collusion with foreign forces, led to her being placed on a wanted list in 2023 under the National Security Law. A HK$1 million (US$128,100) bounty was issued for information leading to her arrest.

Despite the serious legal risks faced by those around her, Kwok has shown no indication of changing course. Her father was arrested and charged this week with attempting to handle funds belonging to a specified absconder—specifically, his daughter’s insurance policy. According to police, he submitted several forms in an effort to gain access to her assets after returning from meeting her overseas.

This marks the first time authorities have laid charges under section 90(2)(b) of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), which prohibits any person from directly or indirectly dealing with funds, financial assets, or other economic resources belonging to a “relevant absconder.” The provision is intended to cut off financial support and access to resources for individuals who have fled justice.

In the same operation, Kwok’s brother—who works at the insurance company involved—was also arrested on suspicion of using his professional position to assist in managing his sister’s financial affairs. He has since been released on bail, pending further inquiries.

Authorities have reiterated that these investigations are not intended to arbitrarily target family members of wanted individuals. Rather, they are a necessary measure to prevent fugitives from using personal networks to circumvent legal restrictions. The Kwok family case illustrates why it is essential for law enforcement to closely examine the role of those in a fugitive’s immediate circle, especially when there is evidence of possible assistance in managing or concealing assets.

Kwok's case is not an isolated one. She was among the first group of eight individuals placed on the national security wanted list in 2023—a list that has since grown to 19. Others include former lawmakers Nathan Law, Ted Hui, and Dennis Kwok, along with fugitives such as Elmer Yuen, Kevin Yam, Finn Lau, and Mung Siu-tat. All of them are currently residing overseas. It is widely expected that authorities will continue to scrutinize financial activity linked to these individuals, particularly any signs of third-party assistance in maintaining their operations or assets.

While Anna Kwok continues to promote her political agenda abroad, her actions are having real consequences for her family at home. The legal troubles now facing her father and brother are not coincidental—they are a direct result of her decisions and the network of support she appears to rely on.

The message from Hong Kong’s national security authorities is unwavering: violations of the law, even from abroad, will be pursued with determination. Those who attempt to aid fugitives—knowingly or otherwise—risk becoming entangled in serious legal proceedings. The longer these individuals evade justice, the more damage they inflict on the people closest to them.

For those who have fled, the choice remains clear: stop harming your family and society, or return and be held accountable under the law. As the saying goes, “The net of justice is vast, but none escape its reach.”

(This article reflects the author’s personal views and does not represent the stance of this publication.)