Chinese authorities have touched down in Brisbane to help police find the mystery man who allegedly poured hot coffee on a baby at a park 18 months ago.

Luka was with his mother and a friend at Brisbane’s Hanlon Park on August 27, 2024, when a man approached and poured scalding coffee over the helpless infant.

The nine-month-old was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and has since undergone eight surgeries after suffering severe burns to his chest, neck and face.

A 33-year-old Chinese national identified as the suspect fled the scene immediately, sparking an international manhunt that remains ongoing.

Police believe the man boarded a flight to China just a few hours before authorities managed to identify him on August 31, 2024.

Despite being protected from extradition by Chinese law, Queensland Police and Australian Federal Police (AFP) will work with overseas authorities to solve the case. 

‘The AFP values the ongoing co-operation from Chinese authorities and their shared commitment to pursue all avenues for justice in light of the alleged offender’s location,’ police said in a statement. 

‘China has extraterritorial jurisdiction to prosecute its citizens for conduct which occurs outside China. The AFP is working jointly with Chinese authorities on appropriate options to take this matter forward.’ 

The man, who is believed to be a Chinese national, fled the scene immediately

Queensland police take Chinese authorities through the park where the incident occurred 

Police talk with their Chinese counterparts earlier this month in Brisbane

They were also taken through a shopping centre during the investigation

Chinese Ambassador Xiao Qian confirmed in January that a ‘working group’ would travel from China to Brisbane to investigate the incident.

‘To talk with Australian colleagues, to see exactly what happened, how it happened, and see how both sides can work together,’ he said.

‘We’re now preparing for the working group to come, so we are serious in addressing this concern, and we’re serious in taking the necessary actions.’

On Friday, Queensland Police took the Chinese authorities through the Brisbane park, retracing the steps of the attack.

Luka’s family met with the Chinese authorities when they were in Brisbane between February 2 and 6.

‘We continue to thank the public and media for their ongoing support,’ they said.

‘We have no further comment at this time.’

Chinese media reports revealed the man had entered and exited Australia many times since 2019 – initially using a working holiday visa before switching to a student visa. 

Baby Luka had had eight operations since the incident and faces a long road to full recovery 

Luka recovers after the horrific attack which left him badly burned

When his latest visa application was rejected, the man allegedly erupted – resulting in the coffee attack on Luka, Chinese media reported.

‘Finally, he vented his anger and allegedly hurt a baby before leaving Australia,’ reported China’s New Tang Dynasty Television.

The man reportedly has ‘a brain problem’ according to a co-worker who posted on a Chinese social media platform.

‘On the mainland social media ‘Little Red Book’, a Chinese person in Australia who claimed to know him, broke the news that this man has always been weird and difficult to deal with,’ added NTD Television.

The TV station alleged the man ‘probably attacked Luka to take revenge on the white people, before running away’.