VANCOUVER—In the early afternoon of Aug. 22, police in New Taipei City, Taiwan, discovered the dismembered and headless body of Canadian man and former English teacher Ramgahan Sanjay Ryan, 43. He was found on the banks of a river near a bridge.

Police officials in Taipei told local television media that the person who reported the gruesome discovery was a friend of Sanjay’s who became worried after not being able to find him for several days. Local police said to media that they believe Sanjay has lived in Taiwan for roughly 10 years.

Police added that the friend knew where Sanjay often walked his dog, and so went looking for him along the river near Zhongzheng Bridge, where he found Sanjay’s body. He later led police to the spot.

Global Affairs Canada said on Thursday that Canadian consular officials in Taipei are providing assistance to Sanjay’s family. The agency is also “in contact with local authorities to gather additional information,” Krista Humick, spokesperson for Global Affairs, said in a statement.

“Due to the provisions of the Privacy Act, no further information can be disclosed,” Humick added.

Police in Taipei said they believe the case is likely a murder involving more than one perpetrator.

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