NEW YORK: Malaysia has asked Interpol to put out an alert for four missing North Korean suspects wanted in connection with the death of Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, police said Thursday.
Malaysian Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters that the police had also formally requested an interview with the North Korean embassy's second secretary, who is wanted for questioning, reports the CNN.
Kim Jong Nam died last Monday after a suspected poisoning while on his way to catch a flight to the Chinese territory of Macau from Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, ties between Malaysia and North Korea have deteriorated as the latter has furiously denied any involvement in Kim's death and blamed the Malaysian side for showing an unfriendly attitude in handling the case.
North Korea’s state media, KCNA quoted a spokesman for the Korean Jurists Committee as saying that the responsibility for Nam’s death lay with Malaysia, as he had died on their territory, and criticized the investigation.
Interpol notices are issued to police in 190 different countries to help track fugitives and share information about wanted criminals.
Malaysian police have previously said the four suspects who are the subject of the alert are believed to be back in Pyongyang.
In addition to the four suspects, three North Koreans are wanted for questioning by Malaysian police, including Hyong Kwang Song, the 44-year-old second secretary at the North Korean embassy in Malaysia, and Kim Uk Il, an Air Koryo staff member.