As police continued their inquiries into Sunday's execution-style killing of Anthony Chin outside his China Palace Restaurant in Maraval, investigators said the slain businessman was questioned in connection with the kidnapping of Chinese restaurant owner Xue Hua Shan.Chin, 61, of Hillsborough, Maraval, was murdered on Sunday morning just outside the door of his restaurant, which is located in Ellerslie Plaza.Eyewitness said two men walked up to Chin while he was on his cellphone and shot him in the chest and head.
Police on patrol said they heard two gunshots that came from the vicinity and found Chin lying on the ground on the walkway in front of the glass doors leading to the restaurant.Detectives said Chin's licensed firearm was stolen by one of the men. A clip containing 30 rounds of ammunition was found on his body, along with his firearm licence.Police said it was Chin who made the report that Shan was kidnapped and he was interviewed by officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad. He was due to be interviewed again.Relatives told police that Chin was under strain within the last few days.Business acquaintances told police that Chin owed a large gambling debt of $2 million and was paying back a loan of $30,000 a month.
Detectives said Chin had problems meeting the commitment as he gambled $100,000 every month, which led to him being forced to sell properties, vehicles, and jewelry.They said several years ago, Chin was the victim of an attempted robbery outside his home. He managed to escape from robbers when he fired shots at them with his licensed firearm. The thieves beat a hasty escape on foot.Shan, 31, was reported abducted outside her Seventh Street, Barataria, home on April 14. A $4 million ransom has been demanded for her safe release.Shan is the owner of Happy Gardens Restaurant on St Helena Main Road.Up to late yesterday evening, no suspects were held in Chin's death and Shan is yet to be found.
