The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) reportedly raided the family home of fugitive pro-democracy activist Nathan Law on Tuesday. Law is accused of violating the National Security Law, which was passed on June 30, 2020.

Having fled Hong Kong for the United Kingdom (UK), Law is alleged to have committed offenses under the National Security Law, which police say “seriously endanger national security.” These include “incitement to secession”, “subversion”, “incitement to subversion”, and “collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security.”

Possessing a search warrant, the HKPF raided the family home of Law and questioned his parents and older brother on whether they had aided Law, including whether they provided him with financial support. While Law’s parents and older brother were not arrested, they are purportedly still under investigation by the HKPF.

In response to the raiding of Law’s family home, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said that the HKPF has received information on Law and the other seven fugitives that have also allegedly violated the National Security Law. However, Lee stated that he will not currently reveal the information.

Previously on July 3, the HKPF offered bounties of HK$1 million each for the arrest of Law and seven other fugitives that have also been accused of violating the National Security Law. In response to this, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) demonstrated support for the HKPF in connection with arresting the eight fugitives. The HKSAR said in its press release that:

It is the constitutional responsibility of the HKSAR to safeguard national security, and it is the common responsibility of all the people in China, including the people of Hong Kong, to safeguard the sovereignty, unification and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China. The HKSAR Government shall proactively prevent, suppress, and impose punishment for any act and activity endangering national security in accordance with the National Security Law and other relevant laws[.]

Since the implementation of the National Security Law, 260 individuals aged between 15 and 90 have been arrested for breaching the law. While Law has fled Hong Kong, Lee has expressed determination in arresting all eight fugitives—including him. He stated, “I also want to tell the criminals that, well, the only way to end their destiny of being an abscondee who will be pursued for life is to surrender.” He also said, “We should treat the people wanted by police, especially those who violated the national security law, as rats in the street that should be avoided for our sake.”