Name of fourth kidnap suspect released

Police investigating the kidnapping of Auckland woman Qing Zhao today released the name of a fourth suspect in the case.

They said they wanted to speak to Changsong Li, a 33-year-old Chinese male, in connection with the abduction of Mrs Zhao, also known as Kelly Zhao, from her Howick home a fortnight ago.

Police yesterday released details about another man they want to locate, Wanzhe Gui, 29.

Two other men -- one 28, the other 19 -- have already been arrested as a result of the inquiry and appeared in court last week.

They face charges of kidnapping, aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery and commission of a crime using a firearm.

Meanwhile, Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Grimstone revealed a twist to the case, saying that a person purporting to be involved in the crime had lodged a version of events on a New Zealand-based Chinese-language news website.

"This is certainly an unusual twist that I have not encountered before," he said. "There appears to be a certain amount of truth in what has been written."

He declined further comment about the website item.

Three men, allegedly armed with a knife and a pistol, burst into the Mrs Zhao's home at 2.15am on March 7. A fourth person remained outside.

Mr Grimstone said Li and Gui were understood to have been among the three who were inside the house.

Both were believed to be still in the Auckland area.

"We are actively seeking them," Mr Grimstone said. "As to where they might be, you never know. You might find that they decide things are a little bit too warm and ring us to come and see us."

He said police were continuing to get a good public response to their appeal for information.

"The phone is going pretty steadily."

A $1 million ransom demand was issued after Mrs Zhao was kidnapped, but no money was paid.

She was was later found dumped, bound and gagged in an industrial estate in Onehunga. She was physically unhurt, but emotionally distraught, and has still not returned to her home.

- NZPA