The Hong Kong Police Force has arrested four male suspects on suspicion of conspiring to subvert State power.

Chief Superintendent Steve Li Kwai-wah said at a news conference on Thursday afternoon that the four, aged 15 to 47, are believed to be connected to a Taiwan-based group, which was established in November and advocates “Hong Kong independence” through online and offline activities.

The organization had recruited members via social media and held an online press meeting on Feb 15 in Taipei to introduce its plans, including providing military training for Hong Kong people living overseas with the aims of subverting State power and “freeing Hong Kong”, police said.

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The organization’s manifesto also included proposals for “national flags” and “national anthems” as well as efforts to garner international support.

The four suspects, including the group’s secretary-general, were arrested on Wednesday.

During the operation, Li said, the Police Force’s national security unit confiscated materials and electronic devices documenting the quartet’s activities in Hong Kong, including a proposal calling on US politicians to rescue “political prisoner” in Hong Kong. Flags associated with separatist movements were also seized.

Li said that on July 1 — the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region — the organization organized events overseas in which participants desecrated the national and Hong Kong SAR flags, and presented flags and songs with subversion connotations.

Li said that the group operated mainly through social media and encrypted messaging apps, demonstrating organized coordination and leadership, and holding regular meetings.

Subversion is one of the four offenses under the HKSAR National Security Law (NSL), alongside secession, terrorism and collusion with external forces. Suspects found guilty of these offenses could face life imprisonment.

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Li warned that this case highlights the ongoing threat posed by overseas organizations leveraging online platforms to undermine national security and promote subversion in Hong Kong.

The police officer also pointed out that the youngest suspect is only 15 years old — meaning he was younger than 10 during the 2019 social unrests.

He urged parents to closely monitor their children’s social interactions, and he reiterated the police’s dedication to cracking down on any individual or group that threatens social stability and national security.

Contact the writer at lilei@chinadailyhk.com