Australian arrested in Hong Kong with imitation firearm
An Australian was arrested in Hong Kong with an imitation firearm and charged with property damage.
Hong Kong Police arrested an Australian man on Wednesday night after he was reported carrying a pistol-like object in the Yau Ma Tei district. Officers deployed counterterrorism units.
Police say the object was a suspected air gun. Some local outlets reported it was a toy gun.
While at a police station, he damaged a wall and a smoke detector. He was charged with possession of an imitation firearm and criminal damage.
An expert says the charge can mean up to two years in prison. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is helping his family.
- 36-year-old Australian tourist
- Age and status
- Wednesday night, just after 10pm
- When arrested
- Yau Ma Tei district, near Shanghai Street
- Where spotted
- Two years imprisonment
- Maximum sentence
Why it mattersAn Australian in a foreign country with strict gun laws faces criminal charges and possible jail time.
AustraliaAustralians travelling to Hong Kong should be aware of strict laws on firearms and imitation weapons; possession carries heavy penalties even for objects that appear to be toys.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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