Mount Maunganui Police have now identified a person wanted in relation to a number of fraud related matters.
These crimes have been committed across the Bay of Plenty District and involve the offender duping hotels for accommodation, tourists for cash in exchange for bogus employment offers, and the theft of a rental vehicle.
Police now want to speak with Darren Thomas Takiaho, aged 49.
Takiaho is transient, and is known to use a variety of false names.
He is Mäori, medium to solid build, 187 cm tall, has short black receding hairline and is missing front teeth. He has a distinctive tattoo of a guitar on his left forearm.
He is likely to be staying in motels/hotels and could be anywhere in the North Island.
Anyone who has any information on his whereabouts should ring their nearest police station. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Detective Sergeant Darryl BRAZIER
Mount Maunganui Police
(07) 577 4300
