Runaway millionaires can't be extradited from China

Rotorua's runaway millionaires will have to return voluntarily before any action can be taken against them.

It has been more than 10 months since Leo Gao, 30, and Kara Hurring, 31, fled after being accidentally given $10 million by Westpac.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper of the Rotorua police said that if the couple were found in China, they could not be extradited to New Zealand as there was no extradition treaty with China.

"They would have to voluntarily come back to New Zealand."

Meanwhile, he confirmed the couple had been in touch with family in New Zealand.

Mr Gao, whose business, Rotorua BP Barnetts, is in receivership, disappeared last May with Ms Hurring, his girlfriend, and her young daughter Leena after a Westpac staff member accidentally allowed a $10 million overdraft on their bank account.

About $6.7 million was withdrawn. The bank has been trying to recover money through court action but $3.8 million remains missing.

Mr Loper would not say how the runaways had been in contact with family in New Zealand and he was not sure of the last time they had made contact. However, he said contact had not been made very often.

He said there had been rumours the pair had separated but he did not know whether that was the case.

Mr Loper said the New Zealand police liaison officer in Beijing was still negotiating with Chinese authorities.

Asked if he was frustrated at how long it was taking to find the pair, Mr Loper said, "No, it's just the way of it", and the case would remain open.

"We are dealing with another country and it will be dealt with in their time, not ours."

Mr Loper said he could not comment on speculation Ms Hurring was likely to escape punishment as she was not a partner in the business the money was placed in.

Ms Hurring's mother, Sue Hurring, who lives in Blenheim, could not be reached for comment.

- APN