Businessman arrested on suspicion of destroying 214 urns in 15 graveyards and 6 sculptures in 3 temples across Hong Kong
- Luxury watch dealer, 38, intercepted by police one and half hours after he allegedly broke a sculpture in Shau Kei Wan temple
- Police are investigating suspect’s personal background and mental state to establish motive for the crimes
Hong Kong police have arrested a businessman in connection with 18 cases of vandalism in which 214 urns were broken in 15 graveyards and six sculptures were smashed in three temples across the city since April.
The 38-year-old man was detained after officers intercepted him in Tsim Sha Tsui at 2.15am on Sunday. A 24cm-long (9.4 inches) metal object believed to have been used in the cases was seized from his car.
The arrest was made about one and half hours after he allegedly broke a sculpture in a Shau Kei Wan temple, according to the force.
Senior Inspector Abdul Faisal of the New Territories North regional crime unit said officers studied a large quantity of security camera footage to identify the suspect. He said the investigation suggested the man drove his car to the crime scenes.
Officers were investigating his personal background and mental state to establish the motive behind the crimes, he said. But he ruled out the possibility of theft because no property or valuables were stolen.
A source familiar with the case said the investigation showed the man developed a bad temper after receiving brain surgery earlier this year.