15 Aug 2023

Man accused of kidnapping missing real estate agent Yanfei Bao back in court

5:59 am on 15 August 2023
Missing Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao

Missing Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao Photo: RNZ / NZ Police

A man charged with the kidnapping of real estate agent Yanfei Bao is due to reappear in court on Tuesday.

Bao, 44, vanished from the suburb of Hornby in Christchurch on 19 July.

Several days later, a 52-year-old man was arrested at Christchurch Airport and charged with her kidnapping.

He was due to appear in Christchurch District Court for the second time, and police have not ruled out further charges.

In a statement released on Monday, Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said the search for Bao had been put on hold while further areas of interest could be prepared for search activity.

"Over the past several weeks, we have committed significant resources to searching areas of interest, including waterways south of Christchurch.

"Police remain committed to locating Bao and returning her to her family."

As part of the investigation, police have combed the Halswell River, Lake Ellesmere and farmland around Greenpark.

Several properties around the city have also been searched.

Bao was last seen in Trevor Street, where her employer Harcourts had a house for sale.

Police carried out a days-long forensic search of the property, but have not said exactly what they may have found or what might have happened there.

Earlier this month, Bao's family thanked people for their outpouring of kind words and unwavering support.

More than $50,000 has been raised for Bao's family through a Givealittle page.

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