Police close in on accidental millionaires

Police say they are closing in on the Rotorua couple who fled the country after a banking error left the pair millions of dollars richer.

In May, Leo Gao and Kara Hurring skipped the country for Hong Kong after Westpac mistakenly credited Mr Gao's account with a $10 million overdraft when he had asked for just $100,000.

Westpac said most of the money had been recovered but $3.8 million was still outstanding.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper, told the Sunday News a crucial breakthrough was imminent.

"I think if you were to ring back in two to three weeks it would be closer to the time," Mr Loper said.

"The investigation is ongoing."

Police have sought the help of Chinese authorities to track Gao, 29, and Hurring, 30, and secure their return to New Zealand.

Property of Gao's business partner has been seized by Westpac in its efforts to recover missing funds.

Gao's Rotorua service station had been placed into receivership in May and he also owed Westpac $245,000 on a mortgage on his Rotorua home.

- NZPA