29 August: A man wanted for the murder of a well-known realtor from Markham has fled Canada for Hong Kong, according to police. The York Regional Police confirmed that Zhixiong Marko Hu, who is accused of killing 56-year-old Yuk-Ying (Anita) Mui, left the country shortly after a Canada-wide warrant was issued for his arrest on first-degree murder charges.
York Regional Police Constable Lisa Moskaluk stated that border officials confirmed Hu’s departure to Hong Kong but noted his current whereabouts are unknown. This revelation came just a day after the police announced the arrest warrant.
Hu is being sought in connection with the death of Mui, whose disappearance and subsequent death earlier this month shocked her community and colleagues. Police believe Mui visited a rural property in Stouffville for a real estate transaction on the day she went missing and suspect she disappeared from there. Her vehicle was later found in a Scarborough parking lot, and burned human remains, believed to be hers, were discovered days later in Parry Sound.
The investigation continues, and police have not ruled out the possibility of other suspects or individuals of interest being involved in Mui’s disappearance. Investigators are now preparing to request a red notice from Interpol, which would seek international assistance in locating and provisionally arresting Hu.
Despite the complication of Hu fleeing Canada, Constable Moskaluk emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that police are pursuing all leads. She noted that while Hu’s departure may complicate matters, it does not change the course of their inquiry.
The search for Hu has broadened beyond Canada, as police believe he had the means to leave the country. Efforts to locate him have so far been unsuccessful, and two vehicles linked to Hu have been seized by the authorities.
Canada’s suspension of its extradition treaty with Hong Kong, enacted in response to new national security laws imposed by China, may further complicate efforts to bring Hu back to Canada to face charges. However, law enforcement officials remain committed to pursuing justice in this case.
