Victim found shot dead in HK-linked kidnapping

A Vietnamese businessman has been found shot dead six weeks after he was kidnapped in Australia by a gang linked to Hong Kong criminals.

The news of his killing came yesterday as Hong Kong's Organised Crime and Triad Bureau revealed that a Hong Kong man, 43, and woman, 30, had been arrested in connection with the case.

Melbourne police confirmed that a body with a gunshot wound found in a drain near suburban Noble Park last Friday was kidnap victim Tuan Anh Le, 22, last seen on April 29.

The bureau was brought in after kidnappers initially demanded that a HK$1 million ransom for his return be paid in the territory.

Superintendent Xavier Tang Kam-moon said the two Hong Kong residents and four Vietnamese refugees arrested earlier had been released on bail, while an Asian man and two key Vietnamese suspects were still at large.

Melbourne police believe the mastermind operated from Hong Kong by delivering ransom instructions via telephones and faxes.

It is believed the kidnappers are relatives of a business associate of the victim's mother, Mai Ha, 43, who is a wealthy clothing importer.