Journalist Li Xiang, 30, of Luoyang Television Station in Henan province was found stabbed to death on Monday 19 September, online news reports say.

Li had been stabbed more than ten times, and his computer bag was missing from the scene of the crime, reports say. It is believed that the reporter had been investigating the sale of illegal cooking oil made of leftovers from gutters, a scandal that has reportedly already led to the arrest of 32 people, AFP reported.

The local police are reportedly “treating the case as a murder-robbery, but have not ruled out other motives,” AFP said.

Li had been planning to get married in October, chinadaily.com reported.

“Our condolences go out to the fiancée, family, friends and colleagues of Li Xiang,” said IPI Director Alison Bethel McKenzie. “We urge the police to quickly investigate whether Li’s death was connected to his work. Li was investigating a disgusting and illegal practice that threatens public health. Those who would silence such a story must be found and prosecuted – not just the killer, but the masterminds.”

IPI Vice-Chair Galina Sidorova, who is also the Chairperson of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism – Foundation 19/29, in Russia, said: “I express my condolences to the family of our colleague Li Xiang. The case shows that all investigative journalists in all countries can suffer as a consequence of their job, and can even lose their life to fulfill their professional duties.

“It also shows how important the mission of the International Press Institute (IPI) in this area is, because we work to fight impunity and ensure that all attacks against journalists are thoroughly investigated by governments and not only the killers but also the masterminds behind such crimes are brought to justice.

“This important issue will also be discussed during the IPI Congress in Taiwan, which will start later this week. The more journalists join in condemning such practices all over the world, the better the results will be.”