Hong Kong police have arrested two men at Shenzhen Bay Port in connection with an August murder tied to illicit cigarettes, bringing the total arrests to 27. The victim, a 51-year-old construction worker, was killed after absconding with goods worth HK$4 million. The 29-year-old suspect faces a murder charge, with his case to be mentioned in court on Monday.
Hong Kong police arrested two men, aged 29 and 32, at Shenzhen Bay Port on Friday in connection with the murder of a 51-year-old man on August 25 in Tin Shui Wai, raising the total number of arrests in the case to 27.
The victim's body was found under a bridge over Yick Yuen Road with a knife wound to the head. A police source identified him as Zeng Pengshan, a holder of a Hong Kong identity card. He was a construction worker believed to have assisted in delivering illicit cigarettes before fleeing with HK$4 million (US$514,400) worth of product after not receiving a promised reward.
According to police in August, the victim was abducted and injured while attempting to escape. He died as he was being taken away in his own car, after which his body was dumped under the bridge. A holding charge of one count of murder was laid against the 29-year-old, whose case will be mentioned at Fanling Magistrates' Courts on Monday. The 32-year-old was released on bail and required to report back to police in late January.
The case highlights the violent underbelly of Hong Kong's illicit cigarette trade, with 26 others previously apprehended. Investigations continue.