The operator of a Hong Kong maid cafe has been arrested for allegedly molesting a 14-year-old employee multiple times, beginning on her first day at work.

A police source said on Monday that the operator, a 35-year-old man surnamed Cheung, was arrested on Saturday at the cafe in Mong Kok’s Dundas Square.

The victim was a 14-year-old Form Three student, who started working at the cafe on August 7.

On that day, Cheung hugged her around the waist and allegedly molested her again on subsequent occasions, making her sit on his lap for intimate photos and touching her on the waist and breasts, the source said.

The victim called police on Friday and the case is being investigated by the Mong Kok crime squad.

Maid cafes in Hong Kong are themed restaurants inspired by Japanese subculture, in which staff dress in maid costumes and treat customers like “masters” or “mistresses”. They serve a customer base comprising largely anime, manga and gaming fans.