North Korean suspect worked in local medical industry
BY G. PRAKASH AND JASMINE ANDRIA
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KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 — A North Korean man, who was arrested on Friday night in connection with the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, worked in a medicine distribution company that claims its product enhances the quality of life of those suffering from cancer.
The 47-year-old, identified as Ri Jong-chol, was arrested at his home in Dynasty Garden condominum in Kuchai Lama at 9.50pm. The company he worked for had been the official distributor of a herbal liquid from Japan and China used by cancer patients.
Jong-nam was attacked at klia2 on Monday with what was believed to be a fast-acting liquid poison.
The company is also an advocate of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the suspect was carrying an i-Kad and was identified as Ri Jong Chol.
An i-Kad is for expatriates and foreign workers. It was the replacement for the i-Pass, which was discontinued in September 2014.
Jong-chol was yesterday remanded for seven days. The remand order was issued by the Sepang Magistrate’s court.
A car belonging to the North Korean embassy was seen entering the Sepang police headquarters yesterday reported Bernama.
He was the fourth suspect nabbed by cops.
Police had previously arrested a woman identified as Doan Thi Huong, 29, who held a Vietnam passport, 25-year-old Indonesian Siti Aisyah and her local boyfriend Muhammad Farid Jalaluddin, 26.
Doan and Siti Aisyah were said to be the two women who had attacked Jong-nam at the airport.
Another "nice guy":
N. Korean suspect Ri a 'friendly family man', says neighbour
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KUALA LUMPUR: Ri Jong Chol, the North Korean arrested in connection with the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, was a “friendly family man” who always had a warm smile. Neighbours of Ri’s at the Dynasty Garden Condominium in Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park said they were shocked when they learned that he was linked to the murder of Jong-nam, the outcast half-brother of North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-un.
A neighbour said he was stunned to learn that the 47-year-old was one of four alleged North Korean agents who had masterminded the murder.
He said Ri always greeted him whenever they bumped into each other.
“He is a friendly guy. He moved into this place with his wife and daughter, who is in her twenties, a year and a half ago.
“He would always have lunch at a cafe in the condominium with his family on weekdays. None of us suspected anything amiss with the family,” he said.
The neighbour said the family had never caused problems and seldom had guests at their unit.