Hong Kong Bookshop Owners Arrested on Sedition, Money Laundering Charges Released on Bail

The owners of an independent Hong Kong bookshop have been released on bail two days after being arrested by national security police on suspicion of sedition and money laundering, the South China Morning Post has learned.

A source familiar with the matter said the two owners of Hunter Bookstore – former district councillor for the now-disbanded Civic Party, Leticia Wong Man‑huen, 33, and a 32-year-old local man – were released from Sham Shui Po police station at about 4.45pm on Friday and must report back to police on July 24.

They were detained on Wednesday on suspicion of committing acts with seditious intent, as well as money laundering in breach of the Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance, according to police.

The force alleged the pair had sold and displayed publications containing inflammatory content and had organised talks and sharing sessions targeting young people and students, inciting hatred against the government, judiciary and law enforcement agencies.

They were also accused of receiving multiple remittances funded by foreign political organisations.

Last July, the shop hosted a book fair that brought together local independent publishers and bookshops. Pro‑Beijing media criticised the event for featuring anti‑government books and inviting opposition figures such as Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee and cartoonist Zunzi.