A China-born YouTuber has been arrested in Hong Kong after he knowingly posed, filmed and smiled in front of the deadly Hung Fuk Court blaze that killed 159 people and left 31 still missing — even flashing a “peace sign” while the residential block behind him burned.
His behaviour, including later posting hate-filled remarks mocking the victims, sparked widespread public outrage and ultimately led to his arrest under Hong Kong’s national security laws.
Smiled and filmed at tragic fire scene
The blaze at Hung Fuk Court devastated seven buildings and turned the neighbourhood into a firestorm.
While families mourned and rescuers searched for the missing, a YouTuber known as “Kenny”, a 26-year-old Chinese national surnamed Chan, rushed to the scene to record himself.
He took photos and videos with the burning buildings behind him, grinning and posing with a “YA” sign for the camera.
He later uploaded the footage to social media, along with inflammatory remarks claiming the victims were “sinful”, that the tragedy was “retribution”, and that there was “no need to sympathise with the dead or injured.”
His posts quickly went viral, for all the wrong reasons, with Hong Kong netizens condemning his actions as cruel and dehumanising.
Arrested For ‘Act With Seditious Intent’
According to ST Headline, the Hong Kong Police’s National Security Department arrested the man on 3 December for “acting with seditious intent”.
The offence is treated as a serious crime under Hong Kong’s security laws, and a conviction carries a maximum penalty of up to 7 years’ imprisonment.
Police said the suspect had not only posed at the disaster site but also uploaded content that “incited hatred, fuelled social division, and caused widespread public disgust.”
He reportedly identified himself as a member of the “White Card Alliance”, a group of controversial internet figures known for filming extreme or illegal stunts for attention, including sending threat letters, vandalising the grave of late singer Wong Ka Kui, and assaulting police officers or journalists.
His YouTube channel remains accessible at the time of writing, but his Instagram account appears to have been taken down.
Has criminal history according to HK media
Hong Kong media also reported that this is not his first brush with the law.
In September 2024, when Typhoon Koinu hit Hong Kong, he was investigated for allegedly stealing a free-roaming temple cat from Pak Tai Temple in Ma Tau Wai.
Other netizens also claimed he was previously seen taking food that belonged to another customer at a fast-food outlet before quickly fleeing the scene.
Police warn against spreading hate or interfering with rescue efforts
Authorities emphasised that posting incendiary remarks during an active disaster is a severe offence.
Hong Kong Police warned the public not to “test the law,” stressing that they will take firm action against anyone who spreads hatred, disrupts rescue efforts, or intentionally causes social conflict during emergencies.
