Explicit photos from a computer belonging to Canadian-born actor and singer Edison Chen surfaced on the Internet in January 2008. The photos ignited a major scandal in the Hong Kong entertainment industry, where Chen has been considered a pop icon.ABC News: Sex Photos Stir Tempest in Hong Kong (February 25, 2008)

Approximately 1300 photos were allegedly stolen by technicians when Chen brought the computer in for repairs, with an undetermined number showing Chen having sex with at least six popular actresses, singers, and models, including Bobo Chan, Candace Chan, Mandy Chen, Cecilia Cheung, Gillian Chung, and Rachel Ngan.

Mr. Chen had originally claimed that the photos were faked, but a subsequent analysis belied the claim. He then admitted to taking the photos, and held a press conference on February 21, where he said that he was ashamed, and was leaving show business indefinitely, to "heal" himself.Reuters: Hong Kong's Edison Chen quits after sex scandal (February 21, 2008)

The firestorm of controversy over the scandal did not, however, abate in the wake of Chen's apology, due to the damage the photos have done to the careers and personal lives of the female celebrities involved. Threats of reprisals have allegedly circulated, from the celebrities' handlers and other interested business parties and relatives, some of whom are allegedly tied to organized crime.

Following his apology, Chen reportedly attended a rehab center in Utah, for "sex addiction," but left after being assaulted by several men in the parking lot. He allegedly proposed to his girlfriend, Vincy Yeung -- who appeared in several explicit pictures -- in order to ward off physical threats by Yeung's uncle, an alleged member of the Triad syndicate. Chen is currently residing in various locations in the U.S. and Canada.ABC News: Sex Photos Stir Tempest in Hong Kong (February 25, 2008)The Guardian: Hong Kong sex scandal star in court over explicit photos (February 24, 2009)

Criminal charges were filed against the technicians who allegedly stole the photos from Chen's computer, with at least 10 arrests having been made by Hong Kong police. In February of 2009, Chen testified against one of those accused of leaking the photos, a computer technician named Sze Ho Chun. Ho Chun was found guilty of copying the photos from Chen's laptop and distributing them in April 2009. He was sentenced to 8 1/2 months in jail.CNN: Exclusive interview: Edison Chen breaks his silence (June 1, 2009)

"A Hong Kong computer technician appeared in court today accused of stealing Edison Chen's sex photos when the star's computer went in for repair." - Batgwa.com

"Many are placing their bets that Chen will be killed for disgracing so many careers literally overnight — and these multimillion-dollar workhorses for major movie studios in Hong Kong. Rumor has it that Edison Chen leaked the photos himself as part of an elaborate game to increase his international fame." - AsianWeek.com