One of three alleged triad members wanted in connection with the Top One Karaoke firebombing in 1997, which killed 17 people, has been captured on the mainland.
The worldwide hunt for Choi Kam-fai, 33, nicknamed Sheung Dae, ended when he was arrested by Shenzhen police about a month ago, a Hong Kong police source said. 'Sheung Dae' means 'God'.
A police spokesman said, without naming the suspect, that mainland police had arrested a 33-year-old man in connection with the attack. 'The Organised Crime and Triad Bureau is now liaising with the [mainland] Public Security Bureau on how to hand over the arrest to Hong Kong police.'
The alleged Sun Yee On triad member and two other Hong Kong men - Chan Wai-leung, 35, and Chan Fok-ching, 30 - were accused of throwing petrol bombs into the Top One Karaoke lounge in Prat Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, on January 25, 1997. Fire ripped through the lounge, killing 17 people aged 16 to 42 and injuring 13 others.
Police offered a total reward of HK$600,000 to find the trio and launched a worldwide hunt.
Yesterday, Chan Wai-leung, known as Mei Mei, and Chan Fok-ching, known as Ah Ching, were still on the run. They are also believed to be Sun Yee On members.