This Aug 21, 2019 photo shows the headquarters of the Hong Kong Police Force in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

HONG KONG - The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force on Wednesday arrested four men suspected of violating the National Security Law for Hong Kong.

The four men, aged between 26 and 28, were suspected of “conspiracy to collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security” and “conspiracy to doing an act or acts with seditious intention”, according to a police statement.

Investigation revealed that the arrested persons were suspected of receiving funds from operating companies, social media platforms and mobile applications to support people who have fled overseas and continue to engage in activities that endanger national security

Investigation revealed that the arrested persons were suspected of receiving funds from operating companies, social media platforms and mobile applications to support people who have fled overseas and continue to engage in activities that endanger national security.

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They were also suspected of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intention on social media platforms, including content which provoked hatred towards the central authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, and advocated "Hong Kong independence".

Armed with a court warrant, police conducted searches at the arrested persons’ residence and office. Some related documents and electronic communication devices were seized.

The suspects are being detained for further enquiries while police operations are ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

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Police reminded members of the public that “conspiracy to collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security” and “conspiracy to doing an act or acts with seditious intention” are serious crimes and convicted offenders are liable to imprisonment.