Ethnic minority officer grabs spotlight at HK police briefing

As the police held a briefing Wednesday to discuss matters related to the brutal murder of a mainland sex worker in Hong Kong, most of the media attention was centered on a non-Chinese officer.

Swalikh Mohammed (莫俊傑), chief inspector for the crime unit of Yau Tsim Police District, won the admiration of the assembled reporters by fielding questions with aplomb and remaining cool and calm in the face of a barrage of questions.

Speaking fluent Cantonese and English, Mohammed gave information on the outcome of the preliminary investigation into the case, which involved a fatal knife attack at a Yau Ma Tei brothel.

Some reporters noted that it was a sort of coming-out event for the Pakistan-origin officer onto the public stage.

Mohammed is one of few Pakistanis who have been promoted to the rank of chief inspector in the Hong Kong police force.

Reflecting the media fascination, several Hong Kong newspapers on Thursday carried small boxed-items on Mohammed along with the main story on the grisly murder of the mainland sex worker, who was killed by one of her clients.

In August 2001, Mohammed worked as an undercover agent in an investigation into underground parties involving sadomasochistic activities. The case was bought to closure with the arrest of the owners and a female manager of a secret party venue.

Outside work, Mohammed is a keen lover of sports who plays hockey and runs marathons.

Serving in the Hong Kong hockey team during the 2009 East Asian Games, Mohammed scored a goal during extra time, helping the local side beat the Chinese team and winning a bronze medal.

It was regarded as one of the best moments for Hong Kong hockey.

That year, he told an internal police publication that it was a big honor for him to be a hockey player representing Hong Kong.

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DY/JP/RC