A Chinese national has been arrested in Hong Kong in relation to the theft of more than $6 million from Westpac Bank.
Hui Gao, 30, was stopped by Hong Kong border patrol officers as he was crossing from China and arrested by Interpol on a warrant relating to theft and money laundering charges.
It is alleged he transferred $6,782,000 into other accounts in April 2009. Police say the man and his then partner Kara Hurring then left New Zealand for Hong Kong.
The error was discovered about in May 2009 and half the money was recovered from New Zealand accounts, with $3.8 million still outstanding.
The New Zealand officer in charge of the operation, Detective Inspector Mark Loper, says they have known of Hui Gao's whereabouts for some time.
Mr Loper says he will be offered the opportunity to return to New Zealand voluntarily before any extradition proceedings begin.
Kara Hurring, 32, returned voluntarily to the country and in August this year appeared in Rotorua District Court on two international money laundering charges, two of fraud and 26 counts of theft.
The money laundering relates to events in Macau in Hong Kong after the couple left New Zealand and totals about $235,000.
Ms Hurring will next appear in court in October.
