The 54-year-old former Wanganui businessman suspected of stealing almost $500,000 from investors can now be named as Steven John Burlace following confirmation that there are no suppression orders on his name.
Mr Burlace, 54, made his first appearance at the Manukau District Court yesterday after being extradited to New Zealand to face 19 charges of theft. He was remanded on bail to reappear in the Wanganui court on August 30.
He was the sole director of small finance company set up to provide clients with time payment options for insurance premiums.
The business was set up in 1997 and a number of people invested in the company.
In October 2007, a complaint was lodged with police regarding concerns about the invested money and a few days later the man left New Zealand to live in Australia.
Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Forlong, who handled the investigation, said the lengthy and complex investigation was carried out by police, with the Serious Fraud Office assisting with a number of financial inquiries.