Body of man kidnapped on birthday and killed over HK$3.6 million debt found buried on Hong Kong hillside
- Two arrested in connection with the killing expected to appear in court on Friday
- Police earlier mount search for missing man in Ta Kwu Ling; body found in shallow grave covered with cement and sand
The body of a middle-aged man who was kidnapped on his birthday, killed and buried on a hillside in Hong Kong’s New Territories has been found by police.
A source said the victim, 51, was allegedly kidnapped and that his wife was asked to pay for his release last week because he was unable to pay a HK$3.6 million (US$458,680) debt. The body was found at lunchtime on Thursday.
Police said the massive sum was run up partly through gambling.
The source added no money was paid to the kidnappers and that at least two men, one a friend of the victim, had been arrested in connection with the killing.
Senior Superintendent Chan Kong-ming of the New Territories North regional crime unit said the body was buried in a shallow grave just 30cm deep and covered with a layer of cement with sand on top.
“An initial examination by a forensic pathologist shows plastic tape was used to wrap around the victim’s head, covering his eyes, ears, nose and mouth and to bind his hands,” Chan said. “A stab wound caused by a sharp, hard object was found in the left chest.”