A man wanted for first-degree murder in the killing of an Ontario realtor is connected to a Markham-area business and fled the country the day the woman’s charred remains were found, border officials say.
Police issued an arrest warrant earlier this week for 47-year-old Zhixiong Marko Hu in the death of Yuk-Ying (Anita) Mui, a realtor from Markham whose burned remains were discovered on Aug. 12, three days after she was reported missing by her family.
The Canada Border Services Agency told The Globe and Mail in a statement that Mr. Hu left the country on Aug. 12.
Police issued an arrest warrant earlier this week for 47-year-old Zhixiong Marko Hu, but the CBSA confirmed he has left Canada.York Region Police
York Regional Police said Thursday said it is investigating how the two are connected.
“CBSA has confirmed Hu has left the country and that he travelled to Hong Kong – despite this, the investigation is still very much ongoing,” Constable Lisa Moskaluk said in a statement. “Investigators are still looking to determine the exact relationship between Mui and Hu.”
Canada and Hong Kong had an extradition treaty until 2020, when the Canadian government suspended the agreement in response to China’s imposition of a national security law on the city.
Last Thursday, police revealed that Ms. Mui’s remains were discovered in McDougall Township, about a two-hour drive north of Markham, in an area just off the Trans-Canada Highway. The remains were discovered 10 days before the public announcement from the police.
Ms. Mui’s family reported her missing after she left her home in Markham on Aug. 9 and never returned. Her Mercedes SUV was found that same afternoon in a plaza parking lot a 15-minute drive from her residence, according to York Regional Police.
On Aug. 13, police investigators, including a marine and canine unit, descended on a 10-acre wooded property in a rural part of Stouffville, Ont., east of Markham. Police said the property was identified as a location Ms. Mui was due to visit on Aug. 9.
Last week, three youths, one 16-year-old and two 17-year-olds, were charged with weapons and fraud-related offences in connection with Ms. Mui’s case. Days later, police announced they were searching for Mr. Hu, who faced first-degree murder charges.
Records show that Mr. Hu had registered a business name, MBV Construction, in Markham. The company specializes in building, contracting and architectural services, according to its website. Lien documents for vehicles listed in a York police news release list also include a numbered company in Mr. Hu’s name that was used to register MBV Construction.
The business was registered at an address just a 15-minute drive from the realtor’s home. A company website says its team has completed more than 50 “elite housing” projects. A phone number listed for the company went to voice mail.
Ms. Moskaluk said police are still working to determine the exact relationship between Mr. Hu and the three charged youths.
Police also said they’re still appealing for witnesses or anyone who can provide information in relation to a Porsche and Sprinter van that are associated to Mr. Hu.
Rebecca Purdy, senior spokesperson with the CBSA, said the agency works closely with domestic and international law enforcement partners to ensure border security, including intelligence and law enforcement.
Ms. Purdy said further details about how or what time Mr. Hu fled the country cannot be disclosed. She said an individual’s border and immigration information is considered private and protected by the Privacy Act.