Hong Kong police arrest man over arson at karaoke bar in 1997 that killed 17 people

Hong Kong police have arrested a 52-year-old man over arson at a karaoke bar that killed 17 people nearly 30 years ago after he was intercepted by mainland Chinese authorities.

Police said on Friday the force was notified by mainland law enforcement on Wednesday of the interception of the suspect, who was then arrested upon his return to Hong Kong via the Shenzhen Bay port a day later.

Superintendent Lam Kai-chor said evidence indicated the suspect, who was 25 at the time of the crime, had a significant involvement in the case and he would be prosecuted.

The suspect was earlier taken to Prat Avenue in Tsim Sha Tsui to reconstruct the crime.

Lam said another fugitive, 47-year-old Chan Fok-ching, was still wanted, and police were offering a HK$400,000 (US$51,395) reward for information leading to his arrest.

“The police have been sparing no effort to combat triads and organised criminal activities,” he said.