Gang Yuan, dismembered millionaire, allegedly killed for his money

A court battle has erupted over the estate of wealthy businessman Gang Yuan, whose dismembered body was found last monthat an exclusive West Vancouver address.

Yuan'sbrother, Qiang Yuan,hasobtained a B.C. Supreme Court order giving him the go-ahead on behalf of Yuan's estateto sueLi Zhao, the man charged with second-degree murder in Yuan's death.

In an unusual press conference, thefamily'slawyerclaimedYuanwas supportingZhao and his wife, who was allegedly seen driving the victim's Bentley within days of his death.

"So the question arises, why would someone kill his benefactor?" said Chris Johnson, who represents the victim's brother and speculated about the motivation for the murder.

"With the known facts, there is really only one conclusion:Mr.Zhao did this for financial reasons. He thought that he could get a free house. Not just any house, but a very valuable house in West Vancouver."

Violent confrontation

Zhao was arrested after the discovery of Yuan's dismembered body in the British Properties on May 2.

Police were called to the house followingreports of a violent confrontation. Johnson saidpolice advised the family thatYuan's body was cut into more than 100 pieces.

In addition to second-degree murder, Zhao is also charged withinterfering with a dead body.He has a bail hearing next week.

Yuancame to Canada in 2007 and made his money through investments in Saskatchewan real estate and agriculture;Yuan'scousin, Xiao Mei Li, ismarried to Zhao.

"Because they were struggling, Mr. Yuan took them in," Johnson said. "He gave them employment and ultimately came to support them and their daughter, Yi Ming Zhao."

According to an affidavit filed by Yuan's brother, Qiang Yuan, the businessman was the realowner of thehome where his body was found, but the property wasplaced in the names of Zhao and Li.

Qiang Yuan claims his brother supported the couple andpaid for all expensesrelated to the house.

Ultra Rich Asian Girls

Johnson said the accused killer's daughter also starred in a television show called Ultra Rich Asian Girls, in which she pretended to own his Rolls-Royce and another of his houses.

Yuan's brother filedapetition to stop Zhao or Li from accessing assets the family claims belonged to Yuan.

His affidavit notes that Zhaoplans to post bail.

"I am concerned that he or my cousin will offer the residence as security for his release," Qiang Yuanwrote.

"It would be most troubling if Li Zhaowere permitted to use an asset bought and paid for by my brother to secure his release on a charge of murdering him."

Last week, the court issued an order appointing Qiang Yuan and another individual as administrators of his estate.

The order gives them the right to inquire and receive information about Yuan's bank accounts. It also allows them to start anaction against Zhao and Li for unjust enrichment.

Zhao's lawyer had no comment on the lawsuit. On Thursday, the lawyer said his clients deny all the allegations made about them in Wednesday's press conference.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.