Kidnapping charges laid in mysterious North Vancouver homicide

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)

Homicide investigators say the discovery of a body in North Vancouver Tuesday is related to an “active” kidnapping probe that spans several jurisdictions.

Four men, including a teenager, have now been charged, however none of the counts are for murder.

Tian Zhang, 23, and Casey Hiscoe, 21, have been charged with kidnapping and indignity to a body. Dyllan Green, 20, and Jacob Gorelik, 18, have been charged with indignity to a body. All four of the charged men reside in Richmond.

The unnamed victim was found on Wellington Avenue at 3 a.m. after Mounties responded to an alleged kidnapping. The suspects were arrested at the scene.

Neighbours told CTV News the investigators focused on the trunk of a Bentley parked at the side of the quiet residential street. Three vehicles were towed from the crime scene.

RCMP won’t stay who the victim is, or even if he has a criminal record.

Sgt. Stephanie Ashton said the incident is targeted, but would not say whether the murder suspect is still on the loose.

“This is a really complex investigation,” said Sgt. Ashton.

“We are trying to get through many witnesses and many pieces of information and deal with all of our agencies and if we are able at a later date I’ll be able to release more information about the victim.”

The accused are set to make their first court appearance Friday afternoon in North Vancouver.

Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT tipline by calling 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or email at [e-mail].