Finance

Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai sentenced to total of 20 years in national security trial

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 9, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: February 9, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
Fourth sanctioned LNG tanker, Christophe De Margerie, at Russia's Arctic LNG 2 plant - Global Banking & Finance Review
The image showcases the Christophe De Margerie tanker docking at Russia's Arctic LNG 2, highlighting ongoing LNG export challenges amidst U.S. sanctions.
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

HONG KONG, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced on Monday to a total of 20 years in jail on three charges comprising two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces

Jimmy Lai Receives 20-Year Sentence in Hong Kong National Security Case

Overview of Jimmy Lai's Sentencing

HONG KONG, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced on Monday to a total of 20 years in jail on three charges comprising two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of publishing seditious materials.

Background of the Case

The trial has been the financial hub's most high-profile national security case.

Details of the Sentencing

The sentence comes after a legal saga spanning almost five years. Lai, the founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, was convicted on December 15 on all three counts. He was first arrested in August 2020.

Impact on Hong Kong's Media Landscape

(Reporting by James Pomfret, Jessie Pang and Greg Torode; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree and Jamie Freed)

Key Takeaways

  • Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in Hong Kong.
  • Convicted of colluding with foreign forces.
  • Case is a high-profile national security trial.
  • Lai founded the now-closed Apple Daily.
  • Trial spanned nearly five years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a national security trial?
A national security trial is a legal proceeding that addresses crimes considered a threat to the security of a nation, often involving serious allegations such as espionage or terrorism.
What is collusion with foreign forces?
Collusion with foreign forces involves cooperating or conspiring with entities from another country to undermine national interests or security.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category