NZ Police Commissioner Mike Bush today confirmed that Mr Phillip Smith is now held in custody by Brazil Federal Police, following lines of inquiries followed by the Brazil authorities and local media publicity.
Mr Bush says Mr Smith was located at a hostel in Santa Teresa, Brazil at approximately 2 am NZ time.
As Mr Smith was the subject of an Interpol Red notice, due to his warrant for arrest in New Zealand for escaping Springhill Prison, he was able to be taken into custody by the local Police.
His identity has now been confirmed by the NZ Police liaison officer currently in Brazil, who has spoken to Mr Smith. Mr Smith was cooperative and has asked for New Zealand consular assistance.
NZ Police are currently working with the Brazil authorities, Interpol and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in order to make the necessary arrangements to return Mr Smith to New Zealand in order for him to be put before the court. He will now face a court process in Brazil at approx 7 am NZ time in relation to the Red Notice and the New Zealand arrest warrant.
NZ Police notified Mr Smith's victims of his arrest early this morning. His victims expressed their relief at this development.
Assistant Commissioner: Investigations Malcolm Burgess says the investigation is ongoing into how Mr Smith was able to leave the country given his circumstances.
Mr Burgess says NZ Police are very grateful to Interpol and the Brazil authorities for their support of our investigation and their swift actions in this matter.
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