HK police investigate 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund

HONG KONG - The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force has launched an investigation against 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund on suspicion of violating the National Security Law or other Hong Kong laws.

The 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which has been accused of assisting rioters in Hong Kong, announced last month that it would cease operation and its secretariat would be dissolved.

Founded on June 15, 2019, the fund claimed to offer support and financial aid to those who were injured or arrested during the social unrest, including people involved in the incident on June 12, 2019.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, a spokesman for the police said the force could request relevant persons to provide relevant information in connection with the investigation in accordance with the National Security Law.

"According to Schedule 7 of the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Police could apply to the Court of First Instance of the High Court for a 'production order', requesting relevant persons to furnish relevant information in connection with investigation of offenses endangering national security," police said.

The police stressed that contravention of the Hong Kong National Security Law is a very serious crime, adding that providing financial assistance or property to other persons for contravention of the law would also constitute an offense.

"The Police appeal to the public that any person who incites, aids, abets or provides pecuniary or other financial assistance or property to other persons for committing offenses under the Hong Kong National Security Law shall be guilty of an offense. The police urge members of the public to abide by the law."