Kelvin Kong replaces Andrew Kan as director of the police Department for Safeguarding National Security

Kelvin Kong has been sworn in as the head of the police Department for Safeguarding National Security, replacing Andrew Kan, who has retired.

Kong, 54, was appointed as Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security) by Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday.

According to a government press release, Lee said: “Mr Kong has been with the Hong Kong Police Force for three decades, and serving in the National Security Department since the promulgation and implementation of the National Security Law. He has demonstrated outstanding performance, an exemplary commitment to serve, and exceptional leadership with a high awareness of national security.”

“I recognise his work and have confidence that he will take on more responsibilities in his new position and make greater contributions to safeguarding national security,” he added.

According to a police website biography, Kong joined the Force in 1996 as an inspector. He served for three decades, mostly attached to the Security Wing. He was promoted to Senior Superintendent in October 2015 and focused on “security operations, VIP protection as well as intelligence operations and liaison relating to security issues.”

In 2018, he was promoted to Chief Superintendent and assigned as District Commander of Tseung Kwan O. He returned to the Security Wing in May 2019 as a second officer-in-charge. He continued advancing through the ranks, becoming a Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police and a Director of National Security in 2023.

In January 2021, Kong was targeted by US sanctions over his role in implementing the national security law. While sanctions against nine Hong Kong officials were removed from the penalty list in July, Kong remains sanctioned.

See also: Hong Kong condemns US decision to extend sanctions against local officials by five years

He is the recipient of the Silver Bauhinia Star, Police Distinguished Service Medal and Police Meritorious Service Medal.

Beijing inserted national security legislation directly into Hong Kong’s mini-constitution in June 2020 following a year of pro-democracy protests and unrest. It criminalised subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts – broadly defined to include disruption to transport and other infrastructure. The move gave police sweeping new powers and led to hundreds of arrests amid new legal precedents, while dozens of civil society groups disappeared. The authorities say it restored stability and peace to the city, rejecting criticism from trade partners, the UN and NGOs.

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Tom founded Hong Kong Free Press in 2015 as the city's first crowdfunded newspaper. He has a BA in Communications and New Media from Leeds University and an MA in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong. He previously founded an NGO advocating for domestic worker rights, and has contributed to the BBC, Deutsche Welle, Al-Jazeera and others.

Tom leads HKFP – raising funds, managing the team and navigating risk – whilst regularly speaking on press freedom, ethics and media funding at industry events, schools and conferences around the world.