Phillip Smith now in Brazil

Police can confirm that absconded prisoner Phillip Smith travelled on from Santiago in Chile to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Police are continuing to liaise with the relevant authorities in South America through Interpol as part of its ongoing investigation.

END

Earlier – 1:24 11/11/14

Joint statement from New Zealand Police and the Department of Corrections.

Police investigations have determined that prison absconder Phillip John Smith left New Zealand by plane for Chile travelling on a passport previously obtained in his birth name, Phillip John Traynor.

Mr Smith left New Zealand in the afternoon of Thursday 6 November, the day he was temporarily released, under agreed supervision of a sponsor, from Springhill Prison.

NZ Police have this morning been advising Mr Smith's victims of this latest development in the investigation.

Corrections and Department of Internal Affairs have been working closely with NZ Police in order to assist them with the inquiry.

The circumstances of Mr Smith obtaining a passport, making arrangements to leave New Zealand, and who assisted in these actions, are the subject of a sustained and intense multi-agency investigation.

Police have, through Interpol, notified the Chilean authorities of Mr Smith’s criminal history, status and known identities.

Police will pursue all available avenues to return Mr Smith to New Zealand, where he would be likely to face further charges due to his absconding.

ENDS

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