Man flees after bank error gives him millions
HONG KONG - October 1, 2011
Police stopped Hui "Leo" Gao when tried to cross into Hong
Kong from mainland China. He appeared in court Friday and was
ordered detained until Nov. 28 for possible extradition hearings,
though he will be given an opportunity to return voluntarily to New
Zealand, police said. He is wanted there on theft and money
laundering charges.
Gao and his then-partner Kara Hurring disappeared in 2009, two
days after they received a 10 million New Zealand dollar ($7.6
million) credit line - 100 times their approved limit.
New Zealand police said NZ$6.78 million was transferred out of
the man's account, but that the bank recovered nearly half. They
had said earlier they were working with Chinese authorities to
track him down.
The pair, who had run a gas station in the scenic tourist
destination of Rotorua, were dubbed "The Accidental Millionaires"
when they disappeared.
Hurring has since returned to New Zealand voluntarily to face
theft charges. Her lawyer said she denied any involvement. She is
due to stand trial in February, New Zealand police said.
