Afghan man charged with murder of Chinese woman in Béthune

A 29-year-old Afghan man, who is legally residing in France, has been charged with murder and detained in connection with the stabbing death of a 65-year-old Chinese woman in Béthune, northern France. The victim's body was discovered on July 13 in an apartment, with the murder believed to have taken place on July 11.

Authorities identified the suspect through "meticulous work" during the investigation, which was handed over to the interdepartmental judicial police service of Pas-de-Calais. The Afghan national has reportedly confessed to the act during questioning but has not yet provided a clear explanation for his motive. He was reportedly a client of the victim, who was believed to be involved in prostitution.

A separate investigation has been launched into aggravated pimping. A 40-year-old Chinese national, suspected of renting the apartment and profiting from prostitution, has been indicted and placed under judicial supervision. Prosecutors had sought his pre-trial detention, but this decision has been appealed. Reports suggest the short-term rental apartment had been used for prostitution for years, with previous violence incidents reported.