A 25-year-old British woman who reported an alleged rape to authorities in Hong Kong is now facing the possibility of a prison sentence after being charged with blackmail and perverting the course of public justice.
Isabel Rose, from Hackney in east London, went to Hong Kong police in early 2024 after meeting a man she had previously encountered while travelling in Asia.
Following her complaint, the man — who cannot be identified for legal reasons — was arrested. However, prosecutors later brought charges against Rose instead. The man denies the allegations and faces no charges.
Rose stood trial last year before a judge, and a verdict is expected on March 3, 2026. If convicted, she could face several years in prison.
Allegations and Counterclaims
During court proceedings, the prosecution alleged that Rose demanded £5,000 ($6,700) from the man and later increased the demand to £100,000 (more than $135,000). Prosecutors argued this constituted blackmail and amounted to perverting the course of public justice.
Rose has denied the accusations. She told the court she was raped and that any discussion of money stemmed from compensation initially offered by the man following the alleged sexual assault.
After the man was arrested and questioned by police, Rose herself was charged. Throughout the legal process, she has remained on bail and has been unable to work or leave Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Police said they were unable to provide further comment on the case, according to a BBC report.
Consular Support and Legal Context
The British Consulate in Hong Kong, part of the UK government’s overseas diplomatic network, said it does not comment on individual cases but provides consular assistance to British nationals abroad.
Hong Kong operates under the “one country, two systems” framework agreed between the United Kingdom and China ahead of the territory’s 1997 handover. While it is part of China, Hong Kong maintains its own common law–based legal system, separate courts, and prosecutorial procedures.
The case has drawn attention to legal processes in Hong Kong and the challenges faced by foreign nationals navigating the territory’s judicial system.
“My constituent has been through living hell. She reported a serious sexual assault in the trust that the authorities in Hong Kong would support her and has been let down by a lack of proper investigation,” said Dame Meg Helier, Hackney South and Shoreditch MP.
With the verdict imminent, Rose’s future now rests with the court’s ruling, which could determine whether she faces a custodial sentence or is cleared of the charges.
