Taxi killing accused likely to be tried in China

The security camera image of Zhen Xiao taken on the night of the killing. Photo / Supplied

Police say the suspect in the death of taxi driver Hiren Mohini could face trial in China.

In a taped interview, Detective Senior Sergeant Hywel Jones spoke from Shanghai about Zhen Xiao, the 23-year-old Chinese citizen who fled New Zealand in early February.

Mr Jones said Zhen, a Chinese citizen, was located following inquiries which were aided by a police liaison officer based in Beijing.

Local authorities had also conducted their own investigations, and Zhen had given them his full cooperation, he said.

It is not yet clear whether witnesses or prosecutors from New Zealand would be required to attend a trial in China.

"Their justice system works in a different way to ours," Mr Jones said. "The next steps are for Chinese authorities to determine."

He said he expected the close cooperation between NZ and Chinese officials to continue.

"I've always felt assured in getting a result for Hiren's family," he said.

Mr Mohini - a husband and father of two - was stabbed after taking a fare from downtown Auckland to Mt Eden.

Zhen was identified from SkyCity security-camera images taken on the night of the killing, but fled the country before he could be detained.

Police issued a warrant for his arrest on February 26.

- NZHERALD STAFF