Exiled Hong Kong activist targeted by sexually explicit letters

Letters containing fake sexually explicit images of an exiled pro-democracy activist from Hong Kong have been received by her former neighbours in Maidenhead.

Carmen Lau said she was ‘terrified’ and ‘shocked’ to learn of the letters, which suggest that she provides sexual services.

The 30-year-old was one of six overseas activists who were targeted with warrants in December 2024, issued under Hong Kong’s national security law, which was brought in to crack down on dissenting acts after pro-democracy protests in the region.

The warrants contained a reward of HK$1million (about £100,000) offered by the Hong Kong police for any information leading to her arrest.

In February this year, former neighbours of Ms Lau in Maidenhead contacted the town’s MP Joshua Reynolds, stating that they had received ‘wanted’ notes concerning her.

Last month, half a dozen former neighbours reached out to Mr Reynolds again to share the latest letters that they had received.

He said it is likely that more residents received them.

The letter, seen by the Advertiser, is purporting to be from Ms Lau, and contains fake sexually explicit images of her face imposed on women’s bodies that are either naked or in underwear.

The letter also contains her name and personal details and invites recipients to visit her former home for sexual services.

Ms Lau, who moved from this former address earlier this year, said she heard of the latest letters from Mr Reynolds.

She said this is the first time a Hong Kong exiled activist has experienced ‘such gender-based repression’.

“I was terrified and shocked at first, because I’ve never taken such pictures, but they look very real,” Ms Lau explained.

“To me, it’s not just transnational repression, it goes beyond – it is like gender-based sexual harassment.

“It’s definitely an escalation. To me, I think they have two goals. One is, of course, to

silence me, giving me psychological pressure.

“Their goal is to defame me, defame and discredit me, and my work as well.”

Ms Lau said she is still ‘very concerned’ about her safety, adding that it has been a ‘very difficult year’ for her.

She added that she is continuing her work and calling for ‘more support’ for herself and other Hong Kongers, including personal protection for all the targeted activists.

The envelope contained Macau postage stamps, Mr Reynolds said.

The Lib Dem MP called the nature of the letters ‘absolutely disgusting’ and added: “It’s just [the] latest efforts to intimidate and threaten campaigners.”

Thames Valley Police (TVP) is leading the investigation into the letters.

Ms Lau added: “The Hong Kong community has been very disappointed and frustrated by a list of events and a list of decisions and responses that this Government has been making to cosy up its relationship with China.

“They should prioritise human rights over economic interests.”

Mr Reynolds said that the position the Government is in at the moment ‘really doesn’t work’.

“Sanctions definitely need to be put in place with Beijing officials, but also we need to be really clear that the Chinese super embassy [proposed in London] won’t happen whilst these kind[s] of transnational repression acts are ongoing,” Mr Reynolds said.

He added that he would like the Government to work with relevant agencies to try and ensure Ms Lau and other residents ‘are kept safe’.

A government spokesperson said: “The safety and security of Hong Kongers in the United Kingdom is of the utmost importance.

“We encourage anyone to report concerns to the police.”

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “We are investigating reports of a malicious communications offence.

“The malicious communications are believed to be digitally altered images.

“We are engaging with the victim and, at this time, no arrests have been made.

“We would encourage members of the public to report any allegations of foreign interference to their local police force.”

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy said: “We have read the report. The story sounds weird and it is obviously self-stated.”

It did not elaborate further.