Westpac 'accidental millionaires' still on the run

Police are taking a 'patient approach' in their hunt for a couple still on the run with $3.8m in Westpac's cash. Photo / Bradley Ambrose

The hunt for a Rotorua couple who fled to China following a multi-million dollar banking error continues to drag on as "mutual assistance" requests are put in place.

Leo Gao and Kara Hurring left New Zealand in May after Westpac mistakenly credited Mr Gao's account with a $10 million overdraft when he had asked for just $100,000.

Westpac managed to recover some of the money, but is still seeking $3.8 million.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Tony Colby from Rotorua CIB said mutual assistance requests had been sent by Crown Law to authorities in China.

"A New Zealand police representative in Beijing has been in regular discussion with Chinese authorities to facilitate these requests," he said today.

Differences between legal and policing systems needed to be worked through and discussions required a "patient" approach.

Mr Colby said police were awaiting the outcome of mutual legal assistance requests to determine how the investigation would progress.

"At this stage the timeframe for an official response is uncertain."

- NZPA