KOROR, Palau (Jan. 11, 2024) — Two Malaysian citizens, Wong Jiun Hong and Ooi Poh Chuan, were arrested and charged with hindering prosecution in the first degree for allegedly sheltering suspects in the murder of Chinese national Peng Li. Li’s burned body was discovered in Babeldaob’s Ewall area on December 21st.
Following the grim discovery, police identified four persons of interest but lost track of them during the ongoing investigation into the victim’s identity and cause of death. Authorities issued public notices seeking help locating the individuals and warned against aiding or harboring them.
Police records show Chuan using a van to transport suspect Li Xinyu to the Jing Pin Hotel, “concealing him and helping to avoid apprehension.” Hong is accused of providing hotel accommodation for suspects Fang Ye and Li Songyan at the Airai View Hotel for the same purpose.
Both Hong and Chuan, holders of Malaysian passports, pleaded not guilty to the charge and face a bail of $15,000 each. Their plea trial hearing is scheduled for January 23rd.
Meanwhile, the original persons of interest are now considered murder suspects and have been arrested. Bail was set at $1 million for Ye and $250,000 for each of the remaining three suspects: Liu Xiaoyan, Li Xinyu, and Li Songyan.
Ye, the oldest suspect, is wanted in Saipan on various charges, including federal offenses, and is suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. Attorney General Ernestine Rengiil hinted at a possible drug connection during a press conference but emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.