Missing man found under false name

Photo / File

A Chinese man who disappeared in Christchurch in 2005 amidst financial problems has been found living in Hawkes Bay under a fake name.

Lei Nie is now awaiting deportation from New Zealand.

Last month, Wellington police renewed a call for any information about Nie following an annual review of his file.

Nie, also known as Andrew, was on an expired student visa when he was last seen in Christchurch about May 13, 2005.

Detective Sergeant Corey Watts of Wellington CIB said that as a result of an Immigration New Zealand investigation, Nie was taken into custody in Hastings on June 21 under a false name.

"His identity has since been confirmed as that of Lei Nie and he is now awaiting deportation to China. Police would like to thank members of the public for their assistance."

Mr Watts said last month that police were making a new appeal for information because there was no suggestion Nie had been the victim of foul play.

Nie, who is now aged 32, was understood to have been having financial problems at the time of his disappearance and there had been suggestions he had returned to China.