A Chinese businessman living in Cambodia was allegedly kidnapped, tortured and murdered after suspects demanded a ransom of US$2 million (around S$2.5 million) from his family.
The victim, identified as 53-year-old real estate developer Yang Weixin, was found dead inside a blood-soaked car abandoned at a landfill in Phnom Penh on May 30.
According to local reports, a passerby discovered the unlocked vehicle and alerted police after noticing blood inside the car.
Investigators later found Yang’s body along with bloodstained knives, tissues and cable ties believed to have been used during the attack.
Police believe the businessman was abducted before being severely beaten and eventually killed.
Wife Received Crypto Ransom Demands Hours Before Body Was Found
Yang’s wife told police she began receiving ransom messages from her husband’s phone in the early hours of May 30.
The kidnappers allegedly demanded US$2 million in cryptocurrency in exchange for his release.
According to reports, the messages continued throughout the night as the suspects pressured her for payment.
However, at around 8:47am, she reportedly received a final chilling message stating: “It has come to an end.”
All contact then stopped.
A few hours later, police contacted her to confirm that her husband had been found dead.
CCTV Captured Victim Being Forced Into Car
Investigators reviewing CCTV footage near the family’s residence reportedly saw Yang being grabbed by three unidentified men at around 8:16pm on May 29.
The footage allegedly showed the suspects forcing him into a vehicle inside the apartment car park before driving away.
Authorities later discovered signs that Yang had been restrained and tortured before his death.
An autopsy reportedly revealed severe injuries across his body, including bruises on his face and neck, bloodshot eyes and marks consistent with being tied up and assaulted.
Forensic officers believe he was ultimately suffocated to death after enduring prolonged abuse.
Police Probe Long-Running Debt Dispute
According to Yang’s wife, the businessman had been involved in a financial dispute with another Chinese national since 2014 over a failed business venture.
The conflict allegedly dragged on for more than a decade, with the other party continuing to demand repayment even in recent years.
Police are now investigating whether the murder was connected to the long-running debt issue.
Cambodian authorities have classified the case as a premeditated murder and investigations are ongoing to identify and locate the suspects involved.