Just as the 7.5 billion US dollars was being transferred, the National Security Department of the Police Force officially launched its final operation to close the net.
At that moment, the National Security Department's Operations Command Centre went into high gear.
As usual, responsibility for directing the specifics of the operation remained with Yeung Chi-lung, commander of the Intelligence Group.
However, the higher-ranking officers who would normally oversee things at the command centre were absent.
Luo Danian, for instance, the head of this Special Task Force, was sitting with the others in the conference room next door.
Compared with the meeting the previous night, Kwan Man Chin was absent from the conference room this time.
After all, Kwan Man Chin was now representing the National Security Department at his boss's side, hosting important figures from the relevant departments in Mainland China.
As for Lau Bo-keung, who had also gone to handle the handover of the 7.5 billion US dollars, quite a few senior figures from the Police Force were already attending.
Whether a senior superintendent like him was there made little difference.
Moreover, the Political Investigation Department would have an important part to play in the operations that followed, so Lau Bo-keung had returned to the National Security Department ahead of the others.
"What is the situation with Major General Withaya on the Thai side?"
Luo Danian turned his gaze to Chan Kwok-wah, his voice calm and composed.
"Sir, Major General Withaya urgently contacted General Phongsaphat on the Thai side."
Chan Kwok-wah straightened his back and raised his head, giving a firm, decisive answer.
"It has now been confirmed that all the mercenaries captured in Samut Prakan are being held in secret custody."
"All personnel involved in the operation have also been placed under confidentiality protocols."
"There is virtually no