Man is charged after allegedly kidnapping New Zealand real estate agent as desperate search for the missing woman continues
- Man is charged for allegedly kidnapping real estate agent
- Yanfei Bao was last been seen on Wednesday
A man has been charged in relation to the alleged kidnapping of a New Zealand real estate agent who is still yet to be found.
Yanfei Bao, was last seen ‘conducting business’ in Wigran, in south-west Christchurch, about 10.30am on Wednesday.
The man was arrested at an airport allegedly attempting to board a plane, the New Zealand Herald reported.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to face the Christchurch District Court on Monday.
Yanfei Bao, was last seen ‘conducting business’ in Wigran, in south-west Christchurch, about 10.30am on Wednesday
As part of the investigation, a silver Mitsubishi Sedan was seized by officers on Saturday evening.
‘We’re interested in sightings of the vehicle from mid-week up until last night, but with a particular focus on the vehicle’s location on Wednesday 19 July in Wigram, Hornby, Tai Tapu, Halswell, Redcliffs, and New Brighton,’ Nicola Reeves, Detective Inspector, said.
‘The investigation is ongoing, and several people are assisting Police with enquiries.’
Ms Reeves revealed that Ms Bao’s phone had been found on the side of a motorway, which was of particular concern to police.
‘Police searched a number of areas and located Ms Bao’s cellphone on the Southern Motorway. But Ms Bao remains missing,’ Ms Reeves said.
‘We are now interested to hear from any members of the public who might have been travelling on the motorway on Wednesday and noticed anything out of the ordinary.
‘Anyone with any piece of information no matter how small is encouraged to contact police immediately.’
Ms Bao’s phone had been found on the side of a motorway, which was of particular concern to police
As part of the investigation, a silver Mitsubishi Sedan was seized by officers on Saturday evening.
Ms Bao’s sister, Huafei, said the real estate agent had been in contact with a person who attempted to have NZ$600,000 (AU$550,949) transferred from China to purchase a property.
‘The thing I hope for most is to find my younger sister, and that she is OK,’ she told Stuff.
Ms Bao’s family released a statement describing her as a ‘dedicated real estate consultant’ who was ‘engaging with the local community through door knocking’ at the time of her disappearance.
‘My family and I are deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of my beloved wife, Yanfei Bao,’ Paul Gooch, Ms Bao’s husband, family said in a statement.
‘Our 9-year-old daughter and I are desperate for any information that could help Police locate her. ‘