The kidnapping, which took place in Canada, was swiftly brought to the attention of the Hong Kong Police when the informant in Hong Kong received telephone calls demanding payment of a ransom within three days here in Hong Kong.

The case was jointly investigated by the Hong Kong and Canadian Police. Despite all the obstacles, including the time difference between these two places, the confidential nature of the report and the freezing weather in Canada, the two hostages were freed after a one-week detention by the kidnappers.

The Officer-in-Charge of Regional Crime Unit Team 1A was Senior Inspector Mr Tommy Tang Wai-keung. Mr Tang said: "We were all thrilled by news of children's rescue and the arrest of suspects in Canada. It swept aside all the fatigue we had been experiencing. As a result of the investigation, a total of five suspects were arrested, three in Canada and two in Hong Kong.

"This case brought back memories of having to spend Christmas, and some of them their birthdays, working on the case with their colleagues instead of spending time with their families.

"However, there was not a single word of complaint at the time - a reflection of the dedication to solving a serious crime with which we are all imbued. When cooperating with a foreign law enforcement agency, we could be absolutely confident in our professionalism," said Mr Tang.