Kidnapper of Li Ka-shing's son rang tycoon to ask where he should invest HK$1billion ransom
After handing him HK$1b for his son's return, tycoon told gangster to turn over a new leaf
Tycoon Li Ka-shing has revealed for the first time details of the kidnapping of his eldest son, Victor Li Tzar-kuoi, by crime king "Big Spender" Cheung Tze-keung 17 years ago.
Confirming rumours around at the time, Li told in a rare interview how the brazen gangster had showed up at his home after the kidnap on May 23, 1996, demanded HK$2 billion and left with HK$1 billion.
"There is only enough cash for HK$1 billion," Li recalled telling Cheung, who was later executed on the mainland. "If you need, I can go to the bank and withdraw the rest."
Speaking to Guangzhou-based Nanfang Media Group at his office in the Cheung Kong Center, Li said he told the gangster to turn over a new leaf.
"You have taken enough money to spend for the rest of your life. While there is still a chance, [you] better fly far and high, turn over a new leaf and be a good man," Li said he told Cheung. "If you mess up again, no one else can help you."
Li said the gangster asked, "How could you be so calm?"