Hong Kong police announced on Thursday (Aug 21) the arrest of six men and four women accused of operating online platforms that distributed thousands of upskirt and other intimate images taken without consent.
Investigators said four of the suspects secretly filmed women in public areas such as bus stations and shopping malls before sharing the material in a group with nearly 9,000 members. About 15,000 images were circulated over three years, with users charged for “VIP” access that generated around HK$4 million (US$512,000).
Police confirmed the online channels have been shut down and warned that further arrests may follow.
Clinical psychologist Fung Ho-kin from the force said every individual who downloads such content is considered complicit. He added that hundreds of women were victimized, including 200 students, and many are likely to suffer long-term psychological harm.
The suspects, aged 20 to 62, face multiple charges including conspiracy to publish intimate images without consent.—The Star
