Recently, there was a major breakthrough in the highly publicized cross-border murder case of social media influencer 'Athena' (real name Kong Limei). After nearly three years of international investigation, the main suspect Liu Hanwen was officially extradited from the United States to China on July 20, finally bringing a conclusion to this heinous cross-border kidnapping and homicide case. The Ministry of Public Security stated that this case is a successful example of deep cooperation between Chinese and US law enforcement in jointly combating transnational crime, which has powerfully deterred unlawful acts against Chinese citizens abroad.
According to the investigation, the tragedy began in June 2023. Kong Limei, who won third place in the 2021 Miss World Macau finals and garnered millions of followers as a well-known mainland Chinese influencer known as ‘Athena,’ was lured by her close friend Li Yifei (aka Li Yifei) to Manila, Philippines. Li had already colluded with a criminal gang and made Kong the target of their crime. Upon her arrival in the Philippines, she was immediately taken under control by the transnational kidnapping ring led by Liu Hanwen. The gang then demanded a high ransom from Kong Limei’s family, who, in hopes of saving her life, managed to raise the money through various means and paid 800,000 US dollars (about 3.27 million Malaysian ringgit) in ransom, earnestly wishing for her safe return.
Infuriatingly, after receiving the full ransom payment, the criminal gang not only broke their promise but brutally murdered Kong Limei and disposed of her body overseas. To cover up the crime and delay the investigation, the gang deliberately spread false information, creating the illusion that the victim was still alive, misleading the public and the family for a long period and causing the investigation to stagnate. This vile case—where someone is betrayed by a friend, killed after the ransom is paid, and the truth hidden by the perpetrators—sparked widespread fury online.
In the aftermath, the Ministry of Public Security attached great importance to the case, promptly organizing a special investigative task force to intensively tackle it, and worked in deep cooperation with law enforcement agencies in the Philippines, the US, South Korea and other nations. They shared leads and key evidence and issued a red notice through Interpol for lead suspect Liu Hanwen, making every effort to pursue his capture. In October 2024, based on comprehensive evidence and information provided by China, US authorities successfully apprehended Liu Hanwen, who had fled to the United States. Following multiple rounds of judicial and diplomatic coordination, Liu Hanwen was finally extradited to China on July 20 this year.
With the return of the main suspect, this cross-border homicide case shrouded in mystery for three years has now been thoroughly solved, with all criminal links and facts clarified one by one. A relevant official from the Ministry of Public Security pointed out that the successful resolution of this case fully demonstrates China’s resolute determination and strong capability to combat cross-border crime and firmly safeguard the safety of lives and property of its citizens abroad.
This case also serves as a warning to the public. In recent years, traps such as high-paying job offers from overseas and familiar acquaintances luring people abroad under false pretenses have become increasingly common, with criminals exploiting trust to commit transnational crimes. Police remind everyone to enhance their awareness for safe international travel, be wary of overseas invitations from both strangers and acquaintances, not to be easily tempted by high salaries, and to safeguard their personal security and assets.