HONG KONG - Police said they have arrested a man they believe was the first person to post a series of racy photos showing partially nude celebrities on the Internet.

Police said on Monday that the 23-year-old, arrested at the weekend, illicitly downloaded the photos from a computer brought in to a shop for repair and then put them on the Internet.

In a scandal that has dominated Hong Kong headlines for a week, at least 10 suggestive photos posted online seem to show actor-singer Edison Chen, singer-actress Gillian Chung, former actress-singer Bobo Chan and actress Cecilia Cheung.

He was released on bail of HK$50,000 (S$9,060) and will go on trial on Feb 22. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Shortly after the police announcement on Monday, Chen apologised.

In a one-minute video statement released to the media through a law firm, the 27-year-old called the postings of the photographs 'intentionally hurtful and malicious'.

He said: 'The lives of many innocent people have been affected by this malicious and criminal conduct. And in this regard, I'm filled with pain, hurt and frustration.

'I hereby use this opportunity to apologise to anyone who has been affected by this strange, strange ordeal.'

A subdued-looking Chen added in the video: 'If you are still in possession of these images, I urge you to please destroy them immediately. Let's help the wounded to heal their wounds.'

The video was posted on his blog, where he wrote that 'it is my obligation to accept full responsibility'.

Police have arrested six men and two women over the case, including the 23-year-old man, said Ming Pao Daily News.

Police investigating the case have also seized computers and discs containing more than 1,300 photos involving six women, said assistant police commissioner Vincent Wong.

He said most of pictures are obscene and were never circulated on the Internet.

When asked whether all six women were celebrities, he was quoted by Ming Pao as saying: 'I don't recognise two of the women.'

But he would not say if he meant they were non-celebrities or models.

Police did not identify the owner of the computer or explain why it contained obscene photos of celebrities.

But the images are believed to have been copied from Chen's computer when it was serviced.

The actor was seen at the Elite Multi Media shop in the Central district at least twice in 2006. Apple Daily said it photographed him taking his computer to the shop on Nov 20 that year.

'Due to ongoing investigations, I'm unable to comment on any of the photos of the case,' he said in the clip.

Apple Daily said he has been lying low in the United States.

Chung's management company, Emperor Entertainment Group, declined to comment on the case on Monday. But she may be back at work as soon as Feb 16, her manager said.

AP, Reuters