London: Police probe fraud link in killing of Chinese couple

[De Master Yoda]

The Associated Press
Published: August 15, 2008

http://antifraudintl.org/imagehosting/4048a574d34bd48.jpg
Steve Wade holds up photographs of Zhen Xing Yang (left) and Xi Zhou

LONDON: A Chinese couple brutally murdered in northern England may have been targeted over their links to a bogus visa business and an Internet betting scam, detectives said Friday.

Officers investigating the slayings said that Zhen Xing Yang and his girlfriend Xi Zhou, both 25, were involved in frauds which had left victims angry and upset.

The couple were discovered dead at their flat in Newcastle, 280 miles (450 kilometers) north of London, on Saturday.

Police said they had suffered horrific injuries and believe that Yang may have been tortured before his death. The couple's cat was found drowned at the scene.

Investigators said Friday they believe the victims were involved in trading bogus visas and professional qualifications. Police said they also appear to have had links to a fraudulent Internet betting ring.

Northumberland Police department said officers were running tests on a computer and three cell phones seized from the couple's home.

"A possible motive for the killing is beginning to emerge concerning the lifestyle of Xi Zhou and Zhen Xing Yang," said Det. Supt. Steve Wade, who is heading the investigation.

"Community intelligence supported by the examination of computer equipment and mobile call data has shown that both of the victims have been involved in fraudulent activity which has angered and upset a number of people," he said.

Wade said police believe that a revenge attack over the frauds appears the most likely motive.

Officers previously said that there were no signs of forced entry at the couple's flat, suggesting that they admitted their killer or killers into their home.

Police said that Zhou was originally from China's Hunan province and that Yang came from Dalian, in northeastern China. Both completed masters degree courses at Newcastle University in 2006 and had continued to live in the city.

[Central Scrutinizer]

Looks like some follow up.

Zhen Xing Yang and Xi Zhou murder trial: Day one

Apr 29 2009 by Garry Willey, The Journal

A CHINESE murder victim who was involved in an internet betting scam told his mother he was earning thousands of pounds working as a football commentator.

Zhen Xing Yang – known as Kevin – was slaughtered alongside his girlfriend Xi Zhou – known as Cici – in a horrifying attack in their Tyneside home.

Prosecutors claim Guang Hui Cao, 31, of Morpeth, Northumberland, killed the pair. Although no clear motive has been established it is known Kevin was running a fraudulent betting operation on the internet.

But in a statement read to murder jurors at Newcastle Crown Court Kevin’s mum, Qu Zhen, who lives in China, told how he would send her thousands of pounds he told her he had made commentating on football matches.

Mrs Zhen said: “In December 2007 I got £25,000 from Zhen and in January 2008 another £20,000. He said the money was from his wages as he was doing football commentary.

“He said he had someone working for him on the football commentary and as a result had earned more than usual.

“I asked him if he was involved in gambling but he said he didn’t gamble on football, he just worked on the commentary.

“He said he would go to football stadiums and make phone calls and report the football matches.”

Mrs Zhen went on to say her son’s bank account had been cancelled by his bank because there had been so much money going in and out.

Asked whether she was aware his work had caused any conflict with anyone she said: “I’m aware of one occasion with the people he worked for, who pay his wages.

“They were in the south of China or Hong Kong and, they were not happy and were aggressive.”

Kevin, 25 and Cici were set upon at the flat they shared in Croydon Road, Arthur’s Hill, on August 7 last year, which was Chinese Valentine’s Day.

Kevin was forced face down on a bed, bludgeoned with a hammer, and had his throat cut. Cici, also 25 and who had just returned from a shift at Wagamama’s Restaurant – was bound, gagged and beaten so ferociously with the same type of weapon her skull was fractured, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Kevin’s friend, Fan Zhang, told the court in a statement Kevin had been involved in betting and possibly a fraudulent qualifications scam.

Mr Zhang said: “Kevin said he was involved in betting. He said it involved him travelling to watch live events and giving information to other people. He said there was money to be made doing fake certificates but I don’t know if he did that.”

Cici’s father, Sanbao Zhou, told the court his daughter was a gentle, law-abiding woman who was never involved in any trouble. Former restaurant worker Cao, from Castle Close, Morpeth, who earned just £80 a week plus free lodgings, denies staging the murders on August 7 last year. The prosecution case is that Cao killed both Cici and Kevin or at the very least was a party to the killing of both of them. The trial continues.

http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/newcastle-campaigns/murder-trial/2009/04/29/zhen-xing-yang-and-xi-zhou-murder-trial-day-one-61634-23504225/