Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2026 Successfully Concludes

Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2026 successfully concludes

The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (April 16), in collaboration with the INTERPOL and police forces from other jurisdictions, cybersecurity agency and operators of critical infrastructures, conducted the Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2026, codenamed “STEALTHNET”, to enhance counter-terrorism preparedness across various sectors, and strengthen preparedness for potential terrorist activities and future large-scale international events.

The exercise was coordinated by the Crime Wing and Operations Wing of the HKPF, with the participation of the INTERPOL, the Macao Judiciary Police, the Singapore Police Force, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore and the Korean National Police Agency. More than 380 participants, including representatives from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, a local bank and the Macau branch of a bank, took part in the exercise. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, attended and oversaw the exercise.

The exercise first simulated a terrorist financing scenario, showcasing the close collaboration between the enforcement agencies, financial regulatory and operating institutions. Subsequently, a cross-border terrorist cell launched cyber and physical attacks against the financial, aviation and healthcare systems across Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore and Korea in an attempt to paralyse essential public services. The scenarios involved terrorists placing explosive devices and deploying drones at major event venues intended to create chaos. These simulations were designed to test and strengthen the capabilities of relevant organisations and units in intelligence sharing, coordinated rapid response, and joint operations under high pressure situations in addressing emerging hybrid terrorist threats. The exercise also strengthened collaboration between law enforcement agencies and operators of critical infrastructures, including financial institutions, to bolster overall defense and response capabilities. The exercise also invited a cybersecurity company to be a member of the Cybersecurity Task Force to conduct intelligence analysis, as well as to provide professional advice and assessments on neutralising cyber threats and malware attacks.

As global terrorist activities and cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated, cross-border law enforcement cooperation and intelligence sharing are essential for safeguarding critical infrastructures. The exercise not only enhanced the coordination capabilities of the participating law enforcement agencies in responding to hybrid terrorist threats, but also strengthened regional counter-terrorism cooperation, safeguarding public safety and social stability.

The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (April 16), in collaboration with the INTERPOL and police forces from other jurisdictions, cybersecurity agency and operators of critical infrastructures, conduct the Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2026, codenamed “STEALTHNET”. Photo shows police officers assisting with evacuation at the scene. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (April 16), in collaboration with the INTERPOL and police forces from other jurisdictions, cybersecurity agency and operators of critical infrastructures, conduct the Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2026, codenamed “STEALTHNET”. Photo shows officers of the Special Duties Unit subduing a terrorist. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (April 16), in collaboration with the INTERPOL and police forces from other jurisdictions, cybersecurity agency and operators of critical infrastructures, conduct the Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2026, codenamed “STEALTHNET”. Photo shows officers of the command post of HKPF conducting analysis, and exchanging intelligence spontaneously with the Macao Judiciary Police, the Singapore Police Force, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore and the Korean National Police Agency. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (April 16), in collaboration with the INTERPOL and police forces from other jurisdictions, cybersecurity agency and operators of critical infrastructures, conduct the Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2026, codenamed “STEALTHNET”. Photo shows officers of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers defusing a bomb. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (April 16), in collaboration with the INTERPOL and police forces from other jurisdictions, cybersecurity agency and operators of critical infrastructures, conduct the Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2026, codenamed “STEALTHNET”. Photo shows the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming (front row, second right), attending a briefing of the exercise. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (April 16), in collaboration with the INTERPOL and police forces from other jurisdictions, cybersecurity agency and operators of critical infrastructures, conduct the Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2026, codenamed “STEALTHNET”. Photo shows officers of Macao Judiciary Police conducting analysis work at the Cybersecurity Incident Alert and Response Centre. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (April 16), in collaboration with the INTERPOL and police forces from other jurisdictions, cybersecurity agency and operators of critical infrastructures, conduct the Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2026, codenamed “STEALTHNET”. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Unconscious person in custody dies in hospital

A 39-year-old male person in custody, who had been found unconscious in Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre, died in a public hospital today (April 17).

The person in custody suffered from mental illness. He required continuous medical care and follow-up treatment at a institution hospital and a public hospital. At 2.57am today, the person in custody was found unconscious in a cell by a correctional officer. The officer immediately called for reinforcement to provide first-aid treatment to him, and an ambulance was called at once to send him to a public hospital for further rescue. He remained unconscious after being sent to the public hospital. His condition deteriorated and he was certified dead at 8.23am today.

The case has been reported to the Police. A death inquest will be held by the Coroner's Court.

The person in custody was sentenced to imprisonment for the offence of wounding in January 2026.

Source: AI-found images