Accused fails to fly home

Runaway fraud accused Christopher Michael Heaps has missed an opportunity to return to New Zealand and speak to police.

The 28-year-old real estate salesperson from Christchurch was booked on a flight from Vietnam to Auckland yesterday, but never boarded the plane.

‘‘It appears that he might be reluctant to address the matters that we want to talk to him about,’’ Detective Sergeant Ross Tarawhiti said.

‘‘This is not going to go away. He needs to come back and sort it out.’’

Police are investigating 10 fraud complaints involving more than $150,000 against Heaps’ business Kiwi Bullion, which traded gold, silver and platinum.

The victims, who live around New Zealand, handed over money or precious metals to the business, but in some cases did not receive anything in return.

They include a woman owed more than $55,000 and a couple owed nearly $20,000.

Heaps, who has drugs and firearms convictions, flew to Vietnam on July 28 with a 90-day visitor’s visa.

A warrant was issued for his arrest a month later after he failed to appear in the Christchurch District Court on a charge of aggravated disqualified driving.

Tarawhiti, who is investigating the fraud complaints, said he was ‘‘disappointed’’ Heaps had not taken the opportunity to come home.

Police were ‘‘exploring other options’’ to get Heaps home, but Tarawhiti would not reveal what they were.

Heaps was adjudged bankrupt for the second time last month after one of the complainants issued proceedings against him.

He worked for Phoenix Real Estate Ltd – the Riccarton branch of Harcourts – until his contract was terminated in August. His real estate salesperson licence expired last month.

Heaps declined to comment when contacted this week.