The disappearance of a Markham woman known for her high-rolling lifestyle in casinos across the province is now considered a murder investigation, York Regional Police announced on Wednesday.
Homicide investigators have taken over the search for 40-year-old Fang Lin, who went missing nearly eight weeks ago.
Lin was last seen on April 21 at about 4:30 p.m. near Bayview and 16th Avenues in Richmond Hill, Ont. Two days later, police found her purple Porsche Cayenne in the parking lot of a plaza at 420 Hwy. 7 East.
Though Lin was unemployed, police say she was well-known around the VIP casino circuit in both Ontario and Quebec.
According to police, there has been no activity on her bank accounts and no record of her leaving the country.
The parking lot where Lin's vehicle was found was often used as a pick-up point for buses that take people to casinos, but police say it would have been strange for her to take a bus.
Lin's husband, Ruo Zhao Wei, spoke to reporters on Wednesday and said he is terrified about what might have happened.
Wei described Lin as a friendly and outgoing woman, but says her lifestyle may have put her at risk.
Det. Sgt. Larry Wilson said that while Lin frequently loaned money to associates, police had no information about "any type of disagreements or any type of arguments over funds."
Police describe the woman as having a light complexion and thin build, standing at five-foot-three, and weighing around 119 pounds. She has shoulder-length brown hair, brown eyes and was last seen in a black T-shirt with a matching sweater and skirt.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Homicide Unit at 1-866-287-5025, ext. 7865, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or leave an anonymous tip online at http://www.1800222tips.com.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Tamara Cherry
