Picture of Hong Kong actress and media personality Mary Jean Reimer

Hong Kong martial arts choreographer, director, action star Lau Kar-leung (left).

 
Hong Kong police have arrested one suspect and vowed on Tuesday to thoroughly investigate the case of stolen ashes uncovered at Po Fook Hill in Sha Tin, which involves the remains of several well-known figures — including the late martial arts choreographer, director, and action star Lau Kar-leung, local media reported.

Lau's widow, actress and media personality Mary Jean Reimer, revealed on her online program on Monday that she had received a call from police in late August, informing her that Lau's ashes at Po Fook Hill had been stolen. The thieves even sent her photos of the stolen urn, attempting to extort ransom money, but the police intercepted the attempt.

Mary Jean Reimer stated on her program that she would "absolutely not pay any ransom," saying that doing so would only encourage further criminal acts. Police said on Tuesday that the case remains under investigation and is being followed up.

The incident is believed to be linked to a Cambodian fraud syndicate, Hong Kong's Wen Wei Po reported.

Hong Kong's local media revealed multiple cases of stolen urns at Po Fook Hill in Sha Tin, involving the remains of several well-known figures. The reporters noted they obtained several photos showing the thefts, with some sources claiming that a criminal syndicate had stolen the ashes and was demanding ransom from the families of the deceased.

According to the reports, at least three sets of ashes were stolen, including those of the late martial arts choreographer and film director Lau.

Hong Kong police have launched an investigation into the case and arrested one suspect, but believe that at least four other culprits remain at large, according to Hong Kong media.

Public records show that Mary Jean Reimer co-starred with Leslie Cheung in the 1983 film adaptation of The Return of the Condor Heroes. Mary Jean Reimer married Lau in 1984, and the couple had two daughters. Lau passed away in June 2013 after a long illness.

Global Times