Hong Kong IT engineer admits transporting 24kg of explosive chemicals in exchange for HK$10,000
- Wong Chi-wing, 44, was caught trying to deliver dangerous items to unidentified man to ‘make cakes’
- Judge questions how ‘good family man’ in strong financial position became terrorist
An IT engineer in Hong Kong has admitted transporting more than 24kg (53lbs) of explosive chemicals in exchange for HK$10,000 (US$1,280), as a judge questioned why he accepted the risky job despite earning six times that amount a month.
Wong Chi-wing, 44, pleaded guilty at the District Court on Friday to possession of explosive substances after he was caught trying to deliver the dangerous material to an unidentified man to “make cakes” – believed to be code for producing bombs – on February 8, 2021.
Judge Anthony Kwok Kai-on said the case displayed signs of terrorism and highlighted the defendant’s possession of radio control devices, which he suggested could be used to remotely detonate home-made bombs.
The judge said Wong was a flat owner earning HK$60,000 a month, and added his financial position was good enough for his wife, a former teacher, to quit her job to take care of their young son.
“How come such a good family man chose to become a terrorist? Did he really think he could not manage without a few thousands of dollars?” Kwok said.