In recent months, the two countries’ agenda has been the suitcase murders, which have made everyone’s blood freeze. Both South Korea and New Zealand were alarmed after suitcases containing the bodies of two children, aged 5 and 10, were found in a warehouse. That’s because the suspect was thought to be living in South Korea while the bodies were found in New Zealand. While the suspect was quickly caught and arrested in South Korea, the extradition process was also on the agenda.
WILL BE REFUNDED
Finally, the South Korean Ministry of Justice made a statement on the issue of extradition. The Seoul High Court has upheld the decision to extradite the 42-year-old woman named Lee to New Zealand, the South Korean Ministry of Justice said in a statement.
It was noted that the suspect’s New Zealand citizenship, crime scene and South Korea’s national interests were taken into account in making the decision.
The Justice Department will consult with New Zealand authorities on the exact timing of extradition over the next 30 days.
BODY FOUND IN AUGUST, THE SUSPECT WAS CAUGHT IN SEPTEMBER
The bodies of two children, ages 5 and 10, were found in a warehouse in Auckland, New Zealand, in August.
It was stated that the bodies in the suitcases were 3-4 years old.
South Korean police apprehended the 42-year-old woman in September after New Zealand police reported that the suspect might be living in South Korea and requested extradition.
Police had reported that the woman was born in South Korea and later moved to New Zealand, where she obtained citizenship. According to immigration records, the woman had returned to South Korea in 2018.
HE IS ASSESSED TO BE THE MOTHER OF 2 CHILDREN
The suspect is believed to be the mother of two victims, as her former address in New Zealand was registered with the warehouse where the suitcases were kept for years, police said.
The National Police Service official stated that the extradition of the suspect would be subject to review at the Seoul High Court, and said that the review should be done in 2 months.
New Zealand police, on the other hand, announced that they applied for the extradition of the woman in accordance with the agreement between the two countries and informed their interlocutors that the suspect should remain in prison until his extradition. (AA)