Hong Kong police inspector arrested on suspicion of stealing colleagues’ tactical helmets, abalone
- The disappearance of the tactical gear and canned seafood from the offices of the public relations bureau prompted the man’s colleagues to file a complaint
- One police source says the force is ‘looking into if he suffered from any mental illnesses’
Wong, 29, who was attached to the police public relations branch at the force’s headquarters in Wan Chai, remained in custody for questioning as of Saturday evening following his arrest on suspicion of theft. He is expected to be released on bail and has been suspended from duty.
According to a force insider, nine members of the same office found their new tactical equipment – helmets and gloves – started disappearing in August. The equipment was either stored in their unlocked cabinets or placed on their tables.
Earlier last month, Wong, who has served on the force for six years, was said to have also taken two cans of abalone and a camera battery from the office, prompting colleagues to report the case.
“All the stolen items were recovered in his flat or car. Investigators are looking into whether he suffered from any mental illnesses,” the source said.
Officers with the Wan Chai district crime squad arrested Wong in the public relations branch’s office on Friday afternoon.
The force’s integrity has been under the spotlight since 18 officers were arrested for various offences over a span of three weeks in April, prompting the police chief to set up the supervisory unit in late May. The alleged crimes included perverting the course of justice and possession of HK$12 million in drugs that may have been stolen from a crime scene.
