Hong Kong police on Tuesday arrested an unmarried couple in Cheung Sha Wan on suspicion of child neglect, after their months-long battle over parental rights and refusal to provide proof of their newborn son’s identity drew widespread attention.
The case began in Europe, where the couple, Mr. Tsang and Ms. Kwan, lived in Finland and Sweden. Their first child died shortly after a home birth in 2019, while their second daughter, Lily, was placed under Swedish social services in 2023 amid concerns over poor health and lack of official documentation.
Authorities said the couple returned to Hong Kong earlier this year and had a third child, Danny, also born at home. Officials allege the parents repeatedly refused to submit DNA tests or provide medical records for birth registration, leaving the infant without legal status.
On June 2, police detained the couple and sent Danny to hospital for examination. Security Secretary Chris Tang urged the parents to present evidence of parentage, warning that the government would consider further action if they failed to comply.
The Social Welfare Department confirmed it is seeking a protection order for the child and is convening multi-disciplinary meetings to determine a suitable welfare plan, emphasizing the best interests of the child remain its top priority.
