Hong Kong authorities have detained a Chinese-born social media influencer for allegedly inciting hatred and sedition after he published photographs and video of himself posing mockingly at the site of a devastating residential fire where 159 people perished. The individual, identified as YouTuber Kenny Chan, traveled intentionally to the disaster scene at the Wang Fuk Court estate despite not residing there, shortly after the massive inferno ripped through seven residential buildings. His subsequent viral posts, which included captions describing the victims as “sinful” and the tragedy as divine “retribution,” prompted widespread public outcry before his arrest on Wednesday.

The Hong Kong Police’s National Security Department confirmed the detention, citing Chan’s actions and online content as having “incited hatred, fuelled social division, and caused widespread public disgust.” The charge of acting with seditious intent carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison under the region’s security laws. As of December 4, 31 individuals remained missing following the catastrophic blaze that transformed sections of the residential complex into a search-and-rescue zone.

Chan’s actions, which included flashing a peace sign while filming in front of the deadly destruction, were widely condemned across Hong Kong’s social media landscape as heartless and dehumanizing. His attempt to exploit a humanitarian disaster for online traffic quickly shifted the focus from the community’s immense suffering to outrage over his perceived lack of decency.

This incident is not the first time Chan has attracted the attention of law enforcement. Authorities revealed a pattern of concerning behavior, including past investigations. During Typhoon Koinu in 2024, Chan was reportedly investigated for the alleged theft of a temple cat from the Pak Tai Temple. He was also previously implicated in a petty theft involving another customer’s food at a fast food establishment.

Further compounding the seriousness of his actions, it was disclosed that Chan is a known affiliate of the “White Card Alliance,” a controversial group recognized for engaging in extreme and illegal activities. This alliance is associated with stunts that include vandalizing graves, issuing threats, and assaulting both police officers and members of the press. Law enforcement is likely examining whether his recent actions at the fire scene were coordinated or encouraged by this extremist group.

The arrest underscores the severe consequences for individuals who use tragedy and inflammatory rhetoric to pursue online fame or political motives in Hong Kong, particularly under the purview of national security legislation designed to curb acts that disrupt social harmony. Experts suggest the rapid police response reflects the heightened sensitivity toward acts that undermine public safety and incite societal division, especially following events that galvanize community distress. The legal proceedings against Chan are expected to serve as a high-profile warning regarding the limits of online expression during times of large-scale crisis.