Police are urging the two individuals at the centre of an investigation into the inappropriate operation of a Westpac bank account to return to New Zealand.
Police wish to speak to Leo Gao, 29, and Kara Mary Jo Hurring, 30, (also known by the surname Yang) about the withdrawal of a large sum of money from a Westpac business account.
The pair are known to have left New Zealand and travelled to Hong Kong. A family member who was travelling with them returned to Auckland from Hong Kong at lunchtime today and is now speaking to police.
Detective Senior Sergeant David Harvey is now urging Mr Gao and Ms Hurring to do the same.
"We are well aware of the events that have been associated with this opportunistic offending. This pair still have families in New Zealand and at some stage they may want to return to see them."
"I would suggest that they take the opportunity to return to this country to resolve this matter before the outstanding sum of up to $3.8m is spent."
Mr Harvey says police were preparing a formal assistance request to the Chinese Government.
"The fact that we are taking this step shows how seriously we are taking this investigation"
"I urge the pair to reflect on the consequences of what they are doing and make arrangements to come back to New Zealand"
Ends
Advisory: Detective Senior Sergeant David Harvey will hold a news conference at the Bay of Plenty District Police Headquarters, 1215 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua at 3.30pm today (Monday 25th May)
Contact: Grant Ogilvie, 04 474 9476