Hong Kong Police Officer Sentenced for Case Tampering

A police officer in Hong Kong has been sentenced to two years in prison for illegally halting ten criminal investigations by forging statements from complainants who he claimed wished to withdraw their cases. This situation has raised concerns about integrity within the police force and the implications for justice in the region.

Details of the Case

The officer, identified as 34-year-old Detective Constable Wong Yiu-chung, reportedly struggled with work-related stress, which led him to take drastic measures. Between November 2022 and July 2023, he engaged in forgery to gain approval from his supervisors to close these cases.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Wong had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer in September 2025. This condition may have contributed to his stress and subsequent actions.

Defense and Sentencing

In defense, Wong’s lawyer characterized his client’s actions as a “stupid mistake,” emphasizing that there was no malicious intent and that Wong sought to evade workplace responsibilities rather than to harm others.

Wong had been assigned to the criminal investigation department at the Sham Shui Po police district and had committed over 11 years of service with the police force prior to his suspension in August 2023.

Improper Procedures Followed

The sequence of events began in November 2022 when Wong initially fabricated a statement after a fraud victim expressed her desire to not pursue the case further. However, Wong did not comply with the standard protocol for closing cases, which includes verifying the witness’s intention in person and providing a follow-up confirmation letter.

Implications for Law Enforcement

This incident highlights critical concerns regarding the standards of conduct within law enforcement agencies. The integrity of police investigations is paramount for public trust, and breaches of this nature can severely undermine that trust.