VIP among several individuals being tracked down by police to assist in the murder probe of Kim Jong-nam, says Malaysian Police Chief

Jong-nam murder: VIP wanted by the police

 

MALACCA: A VIP is among several individuals being tracked down by police to assist in the murder probe of Kim Jong-nam, says Malaysia’s top cop.

However, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar (pic) declined to reveal details on those still on the police wanted list.

He said the individuals could be North Koreans but refused to name the VIP.

“I can’t reveal much but there are few more individuals we are after, apart from the three North Koreans who are believed to be holed up at their embassy in Kuala Lumpur,” he said after launching a donation drive for retired policemen in conjunction with the 210th Police Day celebration at Taming Sar

These suspects include embassy second secretary Hyon Kwang-song, 44, and Air Koryo employee Kim Uk-il, 37.

A war­rant of ar­rest has been issued for Uk-il and a let­ter re­quest­ing Hyon’s cooper­a­tion was sent through Wisma Pu­tra and de­liv­ered to the em­bassy.

The third suspect is Ri Ji-u, 30, also known as James, but little else is known about him.

“Matters on the latest pursuit on several other individuals are under wraps to avoid any speculation,” Khalid said, adding that the more individuals are being sought apart from the seven suspects.

Police had earlier obtained an Interpol red notice for the arrest of four other North Koreans believed to be involved in the killing of Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The four North Koreans sought are Rhi Ji-hyon, 33, Hong Song-hac, 34, O Jong-gil, 55, and Ri Jae-nam, 57.

They entered the country separately days before the incident on Feb 13 and left for Jakarta from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) just after Jong-nam’s assassination.

Jong-nam was killed at KLIA2 with what police have confirmed as the VX nerve agent.

Two women – Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong and Indonesian Siti Aisyah – were charged with Jong-nam’s murder on March 1.

Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/03/19/jong-nam-murder-vip-wanted-by-the-police/#LHtX4IAoHvOjE315.99