Diplomatic connection to deadly kidnapping in North Vancouver

A large contingent of investigators converged on a North Vancouver neighbourhood near Mountain Highway and Wellington Drive after a homicide on Sept. 29, 2015. (CTV)

There is a diplomatic connection to a deadly kidnapping uncovered this week in North Vancouver.

The Chinese consulate in Vancouver confirmed officials are cooperating with the RCMP investigation into the alleged kidnaping for ransom of Peng Sun, whose body was found with four suspects early Tuesday morning.

An SUV with red diplomatic licence plates was also spotted at a bail hearing for the four accused in North Vancouver on Friday.

Two people were driven away from court in the SUV; it’s unclear if they are personally connected to Sun, but officials said the consulate is offering help to Sun’s family.

The RCMP still hasn’t said how Sun might have died, and much of the case remains shrouded in mystery.

Court documents revealed a few new details Friday, including that Sun was allegedly kidnapped Sunday, days before he was found dead.

There is no information on what happened between Sunday and Tuesday, however.

Tian Zhang, 23, Casey James Hiscoe, 21, Dyllan James Green, 20, and Jacob Michael Gorelik, 18, have all been charged with interfering with a dead body.

Zhang and Hiscoe are also charged with kidnapping with intent to hold for ransom.

Friday’s bail hearing for all four men was put over to Monday.

With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Penny Daflos