Search of Missing Japanese Student in France Called Off

November 20, 2018

Besancon, France--The search of the body of Japanese student Narumi Kurosaki, who went missing in 2016 in France, was called off at the end of October, local police said Monday.

The police will resume the search of the body of the University of Tsukuba student who was studying in Besancon, eastern France, if new information is obtained, commanding officer Regis Millet told a news conference. The investigation into the case will continue.

A public prosecutor stressed that the investigation has to move on to the next phase as the body remains missing.

There is enough evidence that Kurosaki was murdered, the prosecutor said, adding the prosecution will take steps within weeks to interview Chilean suspect Nicolas Zepeda Contreras, the victim's former boyfriend, in the South American country and make explanations to the country's judicial authorities.

Kurosaki went missing after dining with the suspect near Besancon on Dec. 4, 2016. Zepeda returned to Chile soon after her disappearance.

French authorities have put the man on the international wanted list for alleged planned murder and requested the Chilean government take him into custody.

But Chilean authorities have refused to do so, claiming a lack of evidence. Jiji Press