$50,000 reward offered in Paeroa pizza man murder case

Police are now offering a $50,000 reward for information which leads to the conviction of the person responsible for the June 2012 murder of a Paeroa businessman.

Detective Sergeant Glenn Tinsley said with Operation Olive, the investigation into the murder of Jordan Voudouris, now into its eighth month, the enquiry team still believed that someone could hold information that could solve the mystery.

The Police Commissioner yesterday authorised that a reward of up to $50,000 would be paid for material information or evidence, which lead to the identity and conviction of the person or people responsible for the death of Mr Voudouris.

Immunity from prosecution will be considered for any accomplice - not being a principal offender responsible for his death - who shall first give such information or evidence, he said.

"While police did not often offer rewards we believe a reward may be just the incentive needed to get someone to come forward who hasn't already spoken to investigators.

"Often in cases such as this people's loyalties change as time goes on and we urge anyone who may have information not made available to us earlier to come forward now. Similarly there may be someone with information who has held back hoping the murder would be solved without them having to get involved."

Mr Tinsley said it is important for both Mr Voudouris' family and for the wider Paeroa community that anyone with information comes forward.

"The Commissioner of Police will determine the amount of the reward and will, if necessary, apportion payment where there is more than one claimant and the reward offer shall remain in force until July 1, 2013.

"The bottom line is that if you know something, we need to hear from you."

Paeroa businessman Jordan Voudouris, 55, was killed in the early hours of June 18, 2012 with his body being found behind his premises, Mykonos Pizza and Pasta Restaurant in Belmont Rd.

"A post-mortem determined Mr Voudouris had been fatally shot."

Anyone with any information on the identity of the offender or offenders or other information that could assist is asked to contact the Operation Olive enquiry team on 0508 Paeroa (723762) or their nearest police station.