Man faces charges after allegedly kidnapping New Zealand estate agent as desperate search for missing woman continues
- Man faces charges of alleged kidnapping of estate agent
- Yanfei Bao was last seen on Wednesday
A man has been charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a New Zealand estate agent who has yet to be found.
Yanfei Bao, was last seen ‘doing business’ in Wigran, southwest Christchurch, at around 10.30am on Wednesday.
The man was arrested at an airport allegedly trying to board a plane, the New Zealand Herald reported.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on Monday.
Yanfei Bao, was last seen ‘doing business’ in Wigran, southwest Christchurch, around 10:30am on Wednesday
As part of the investigation, a silver Mitsubishi Sedan was seized by agents on Saturday evening.
“We are interested in sightings of the vehicle from mid-week to last night, but with a particular focus on the location of the vehicle on Wednesday, July 19 in Wigram, Hornby, Tai Tapu, Halswell, Redcliffs and New Brighton,” said Nicola Reeves, Detective Inspector.
“The investigation is ongoing and several people are assisting the police in the investigation.”
Ms. Reeves revealed that Ms. Bao’s phone was found on the side of a highway, which was of particular concern to police.
“The police searched some areas and found Ms. Bao’s mobile phone on the southern highway. But Ms. Bao remains missing,” Ms. Reeves said.
“We are now interested in hearing from members of the public who drove on the highway on Wednesday and noticed anything unusual.
“Anyone with any information, no matter how small, is encouraged to contact police immediately.”
Ms. Bao’s phone was found on the side of a highway, which was of great concern to the police
As part of the investigation, a silver Mitsubishi Sedan was seized by agents on Saturday evening.
Ms Bao’s sister, Huafei, said the broker had been in contact with a person who was trying to transfer NZ$600,000 (AU$550,949) from China to buy a property.
“What I hope most is that I find my younger sister and that she is okay,” she said Stuff.
Bao’s family released a statement describing her as a “dedicated real estate advisor” who was “contacting the local community by knocking on the door” 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, said in a statement.
“Our 9-year-old daughter and I are desperate for information that could help the police find her. ‘