Hong Kong authorities seek forfeiture order for properties tied to Jimmy Lai’s crimes
Government moves to confiscate assets from jailed media mogul to 'prevent threats to national security'.
The Hong Kong government has taken a significant step in the ongoing national security case against Jimmy Lai by filing an application with the Court of First Instance to confiscate properties linked to his crimes. A government spokesman stated the move aims to achieve the "important objectives of preventing and suppressing acts and activities endangering national security," ensuring the assets are not used to further threaten state security. This action follows Lai's conviction and 20-year prison sentence in February for two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious articles.
Lai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct tabloid Apple Daily, was described by the court as the "mastermind and driving force" behind a campaign to undermine government authority. The court ruled that he "consciously" used his personal influence and the Apple Daily platform to delegitimize institutions, with actions that went "far beyond" what is legally permissible. In addition to Lai's prison term, his companies—Apple Daily, Apple Daily Printing, and AD Internet—were each fined over HK$3 million (approximately US$383,800). The forfeiture application represents a continued effort by authorities to dismantle the financial foundations associated with what they deem criminal activity against national security.
- Hong Kong government files court application to confiscate properties tied to Jimmy Lai's national security crimes.
- Lai, 78, is serving a 20-year sentence for conspiracy with foreign forces and distributing seditious articles.
- His three companies were each fined over HK$3 million (US$383,800) in the same case.
Why It Matters
This case demonstrates the expansive financial and legal consequences under Hong Kong's national security law for perceived dissent.