Phillip Smith investigation now focused on Brazil

The police investigation to locate Phillip Smith is now focused on Brazil.

This is believed to be the last known destination of Mr Smith, who transited through Santiago in Chile where he was ticketed on to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

The Washington based New Zealand Police liaison officer is now travelling to Brazil to act as a direct point of contact on the ground and liaise with local law enforcement authorities.

Police are also liaising with Brazilian authorities through Interpol, and working with relevant staff from MFAT.

"This is a priority investigation and all necessary resources are being directed to it." said Commissioner Mike Bush.

"A multi-agency team will be co-ordinated from the National Command and Coordination Centre at Police National Headquarters to provide the oversight needed for this international man hunt."

"An arrest warrant has been issued for Mr Smith and Interpol alerts are in place for his known names.

This allows authorities in South America and beyond to inform us if he tries to cross their borders.

"The public can be assured that we will pursue all available avenues to locate Smith and return him to New Zealand.

"He needs to be held to account for his actions, particularly the distress that he has caused to his victims." said Mr Bush.

Assistant Commissioner (Investigations) Malcolm Burgess says the Auckland based inquiry team is working through a range of investigative avenues.

"We've said Mr Smith is a calculated, intelligent individual who has clearly been planning his absconding for some time.

The team is working to build a detailed picture of how he did this.

"Detectives are talking to a number of people with relevant information.

This includes the two persons who uplifted him from the prison as well as a number of witnesses who Smith may have interacted with prior to leaving the country.

"It is too early to speculate about charges in relation to anyone who may have assisted Mr Smith, but we are gathering all the information we need to inform us on any charging decisions as the investigation progresses.

"We are also liaising with relevant agencies including the Department of Corrections, Department of Internal Affairs, New Zealand Customs Service and the Ministry of Justice.

"Ten detectives are working on the inquiry and they are very focussed on their task." said Mr Burgess.

Police are also releasing an image from CCTV footage of Smith as he passed through Auckland Airport on Thursday 6th November.

"We know Mr Smith is adept at changing his appearance and it is quite possible that he looks different now.

"If anyone has information which might help police then I would urge them to contact us." said Mr Burgess.

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