In early December 2020, after former pro-democracy legislator Ted Hui left Hong Kong for exile, he said at least five accounts belonging to him, his wife and his parents had become inaccessible. They were held at HSBC, Hang Seng Bank (part of the HSBC group) and Bank of China (Hong Kong).
Hong Kong police said they had asked banks to freeze the accounts on suspicion of money laundering, and referred to possible national security law offences linked to crowdfunding. Access was briefly restored late on 6 December. HSBC then froze the accounts again at police request.
Senior UK politicians publicly urged HSBC to unfreeze the accounts.
HSBC’s position
HSBC said it was “extremely disappointed” that facts had been “distorted” and declined to comment on individual cases.
The evidence
3 sources- Exhibit AHSBC re-freezes accounts belonging to family of exiled democrat Ted Hui amid Hong Kong police money laundering probeHong Kong Free Press · 7 December 2020 · hongkongfp.com
- Exhibit BSenior politicians urge HSBC to unfreeze accounts of Hong Kong activist Ted HuiCity AM · December 2020 · cityam.com
- Exhibit CFormer HK lawmaker’s frozen accounts drag HSBC into political turmoilCaixin Global · 8 December 2020 · caixinglobal.com
Last checked 2 November 2026. Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we’ll correct it.