Hongli Qi: Police investigate suspicious death after body found near Packer Rd, Blaxlands Ridge

A 28-year-old man’s body has been found on the outskirts of Sydney — some 80km from where he was last seen. See the video footage of his last known sighting.

A decomposing corpse found in bushland around Sydney’s northwest outskirts is now known to be that of a 28-year-old man who police believe met with “foul play”.

The body of Hongli Qi, who was last seen by his family at Sydney’s Town Hall, about 1pm on Wednesday May 11 of this year, was found by council workers in bushland near Packer Rd, Blaxlands Ridge.

Detectives who were investigating Mr Qi’s suspicious disappearance first uncovered CCTV footage of the 28-year-old leaving an apartment complex on Macquarie St around 6pm — approximately five hours after his family last saw him.

The haunting footage of Mr Qi’s last known sighting show him walking through the building’s foyer, dressed in black pants and a hoodie with a brown baseball cap.

Mr Qi then walks onto the street appearing to glance backwards at points, stopping at times and checking his mobile phone.

CCTV still on Hongli Qi leaving the building on Macquarie Street on May 11, 2022. Picture: NSW Police

Just over three months later, about 10.30am on August 16, council workers stumbled across “a decomposing body”, according to a statement issued by NSW Police overnight.

The body was taken for forensic examination and has since been identified as Mr Qi.

Hongli Qi.

Homicide squad commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said investigators are examining all of Hongli’s movements and interactions in the days leading up to his disappearance.

“Detectives want to talk to anyone who may have spoken to or seen Hongli in the days and weeks before he was last seen,” Det. Supt Doherty said.

“His disappearance was completely out of character. His body was found some 80km from where he was last seen; we have a strong belief that Hongli has been the victim of foul play.

“Anyone who may have information which could assist detectives is urged to contact us, so we can provide some answers and closure for Hongli’s family.”

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.