Migrant allegedly scalded baby with hot coffee in sickening random attack after visa application was rejected
Australian authorities are calling on China to take legal action against a Chinese national accused of scalding a nine-month-old baby with hot coffee in a random attack, despite the suspect being shielded from extradition under Chinese law.
On August 27, 2024, baby Luka was with his mother in Brisbane’s Hanlon Park when an unknown man allegedly poured a Thermos of hot coffee over the child before fleeing. The attack caused burns to 60% of Luka’s body, including his face and upper torso. He has since undergone multiple surgeries and continues to receive treatment.
CCTV footage captured the suspect fleeing the scene, but efforts to apprehend him failed. Within days, the man—identified as a 33-year-old Chinese national—drove to New South Wales and left Australia from Sydney on August 31, reportedly flying to China via New Zealand.
Nearly a year later, authorities are urging China to pursue justice, as Chinese law prohibits the extradition of its citizens. Queensland Police have provided evidence to Chinese counterparts, though officials have not publicly confirmed this exchange.
“There are ongoing conversations between Australia and China in relation to this matter,” an unnamed source told The Australian, adding that extradition is not an option due to Chinese legal protections.
An arrest warrant for the man was issued last year in Queensland for intending to cause grievous bodily harm, a charge that carries a potential life sentence.
In June, Acting Queensland Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy said investigations were ongoing and international partners were involved.
“This isn’t something we’ve parked in a corner. This was a very serious offence, and we’re working hard on it,” he told radio station 4BC. He declined to confirm whether detectives had been sent to China, citing operational sensitivity.
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton previously revealed that the suspect left Australia just 12 hours after being identified.
“I was in the investigation centre when we put a name to the face… only to find out 15 minutes later that we’d lost him,” he said. “We’ve got 30 detectives working on this. They’re devastated.”
Ongoing Recovery for Luka
Now approaching his second birthday in October, Luka is still undergoing treatments, including laser and skin needling to reduce scarring. His parents, who chose to remain unnamed, told The Australian that while Luka bears scars on his chin, shoulder, and back, he is otherwise thriving.
“He’s healed really well,” his father said. “Hopefully by the time he’s a teenager, the scars will hardly be visible.”
His mother previously told The Courier Mail that Luka had become “a bit wary of people” after the attack, but praised the resilience of his healing. “Baby skin is amazing,” she said. “The synthetic skin grafts worked really well.”
Suspect’s Background and Alleged Motive
Chinese media reports indicate the man entered Australia in 2019, initially on a working holiday visa, later switching to a student visa. He lived across multiple states and worked in a meat processing plant.
After his most recent visa application was rejected, he allegedly became enraged and targeted Luka in an act of retaliation.
“Finally, he vented his anger and [allegedly] hurt a baby before leaving Australia,” reported New Tang Dynasty Television. The outlet also cited social media claims that the suspect had longstanding mental health issues and was considered difficult by coworkers.
Queensland Police said the man has no known criminal record or family ties in Australia.
In a statement to news.com.au, police confirmed the investigation remains active: “Investigators from QPS and AFP remain committed to securing justice for the victim and his family. Further information will be provided at an appropriate time.”
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