If you have known or seen the man appearing in the photograph here, you must contact the Police immediately, for you would be helping them nab one of the worst criminals of a kind in the Auckland region.
This man is one of those audacious offenders who rent apartments, flats or homes and then advertise them as their own and re-lease them to unsuspecting people.
They use fake passports for identification, demand a rental bond (three weeks as per industry practice), and then leave the scene.
“We advise anyone answering advertisements for apartments to rent, to be clear on the identity and role of the lessor. If anyone is not sure, they can make inquiries with the appropriate building manager. Prospective tenants should, where possible, use reputable property leasing agencies and never pay bond or down payments in cash,” Detective Constable Libby Willis said.
She said the Auckland Financial Crime Unit detectives were seeking help from members of the public to identify the man.
“Police investigating a number of complaints relating to the fraudulent leasing of apartments in the Auckland Central Business District want to speak to this man to determine his involvement in the scam,” she said.
Willis said there was apparently another Asian man connected with the crime.
He is aged between 25-35 years, of chubby build, with a round face. He wears glasses and has severe acne and braces on his teeth, she said.
Anyone with information about either or both men should contact Detective Constable Libby Willis on (09) 3026965. Email: elizabeth.willis@police.govt.nz
They may also contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.
