The kidnapping case last month of Queenie Rosita Law, 29, granddaughter of the late textiles tycoon Law Ting-pong, has gripped Hong Kong, a city that, despite its low crime rate, has seen a number of sensational abductions over the years targeting some of its richest families.
On April 25, Ms. Law was taken by six men from her home in Sai Kung to a cave on Fei Ngo Shan, also known as Kowloon Peak, officials said. She was held there for three days until her release, after her family paid a ransom of 28 million Hong Kong dollars, or $3.6 million.
Here’s where the case stands:
- The Suspects: The Hong Kong police said on Thursday that nine men, all from the Chinese mainland, had been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the kidnapping. A search continues for other possible suspects.
- The Arrests: All but one were made by the mainland Chinese police, in the cities of Shenzhen, Dongguan and Huizhou in Guangdong Province, and in Guizhou Province. The only arrest in Hong Kong was made on May 3, as one suspect tried to cross the border into Shenzhen.
- The Ransom: About one-tenth of the ransom has been recovered, as well as some jewelry stolen from Ms. Law’s house. The rest of the money might be hidden in the woods in Hong Kong or on the mainland, Anthony Tsang, the police senior superintendent, said at a news conference on Thursday.
- The Penalties: This will depend on where the suspects are prosecuted. Under Chinese criminal law, convicted kidnappers face at least 10 years in prison; they can be given the death penalty if they cause the death of their victim. The maximum sentence in Hong Kong is life imprisonment.
- Extradition: There is no extradition agreement between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland. Mr. Tsang said the authorities on both sides would discuss arrangements for the trials of the suspects. The suspect who was arrested in Hong Kong, Zheng Xingwang, 29, of Guizhou, has already appeared in court, but his trial has been adjourned to July 7.