• Hong Kong national security police have detained pollster Robert Chung for questioning about a fugitive.
• Chung Kim-wah, a former executive, is wanted for allegedly violating national security laws.
• The police have brought in Chung Kim-wah's wife and son to assist with the investigation.
• The inquiry follows accusations of aiding an absconder who has fled overseas.
• Bounties have been placed on several activists, including Chung Kim-wah.

In a significant development regarding Hong Kong's national security measures, police have apprehended Robert Chung Ting-yiu, president of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (Pori), in connection with an investigation into whether he aided a wanted fugitive, Chung Kim-wah. The latter is a former deputy executive director of Pori and has been identified as a critic of the Hong Kong government. He left Hong Kong for Britain in 2022, and earlier this year, was placed on a wanted list for allegedly violating national security laws by advocating for independence on social media platforms and calling for sanctions against Beijing and Hong Kong.

National security police took Robert Chung from his home for questioning on Monday morning, coinciding with the agency's increased scrutiny of Pori and its operations. Following this, the police brought in Chung Kim-wah's wife and son for questioning to explore potential connections to the ongoing investigation. A police source reported that the family members were invited to assist, with Chung's son expected to be released shortly after noon, while his wife was held longer at a different police station.

Last December, Robert Chung insisted that there were no ongoing relationships between himself and Chung Kim-wah, stating that their association had ended with Chung's contract expiration in 2022. However, the police have indicated that ongoing investigations seek to determine whether Pori had facilitated any actions for Chung Kim-wah that could undermine national security, leading to the seizure of multiple electronic devices and documents as part of the investigation.

The Hong Kong government's approach has drawn attention, especially considering the implications for research institutions that collaborate internationally. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu reassured organizations that national security legislation is clearly defined, stating, "As long as [organizations] do not have any intentions to threaten national security, I believe they can perform their usual duties with peace of mind." Nevertheless, as investigations continue, the situation remains tense for those associated with the Pori and its operations, with more developments expected soon. For further details, visit SCMP and SCMP.