Chinese association chairman held as suspected mastermind of Ford Raptor arson in Suriname
The 51-year-old J.L., chairman of a Chinese association in Suriname, was detained on Wednesday as the suspected instigator of the arson of a Ford Raptor. Earlier this year, his own pick-up was also allegedly set on fire.
Chinese association chairman arrested following Ford Raptor arson
The 51-year-old J.L., chairman of a Chinese association in Suriname, was detained on the evening of Wednesday 14 October as the suspected instigator of an arson attack. Waterkant reports that he is suspected of having ordered the pick-up of a Chinese compatriot to be set alight.
The white Ford Raptor was completely destroyed by fire on Monday evening on Bibi Jaitoen Chiragaliweg, a side street of Aquariusstraat. CCTV footage shows a man pouring a flammable liquid over the vehicle and then igniting it. The 38-year-old owner attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher, but the flames were already too severe at that point.
Shortly after the arson, the 19-year-old K.R. was detained. He allegedly stated that he had set the vehicle on fire and received 3,000 USD for doing so. According to his statement, the money was handed over to him at Maretraite Mall.
During further investigation, J.L. came into view as the suspected instigator. Members of the Quick Response Team detained him on Wednesday evening. He was handed over to the investigations unit of Central Region and, following consultation with the Surinamese Public Prosecution Service, was placed in custody.
J.L., who was born in China, is known within the Chinese community as a respected figure. This makes his detention remarkable, particularly as he himself was apparently the victim of a similar crime earlier this year. On the night of 17 to 18 February 2026, his Ford Ranger was allegedly set on fire at his residence.
Whether the two arson incidents are connected is not yet established. The fact that both the suspect and the owner of the burnt-out Raptor are from China raises questions about a possible mutual conflict. However, there is as yet no clarity on a motive or dispute.
The investigation is ongoing. Further detentions are not ruled out.
Source: Waterkant