The predatory HIV positive man at the centre of concerns that he has infected a number of young gay men, some apparently after he knew his HIV status, is now believed to be bisexual with a history of seeking sexual contacts with young women as well as young men. An increasingly disturbing picture is emerging of a man with a strong aversion to condoms who has even maintained profiles on international dating websites catering to people specifically seeking unsafe sex. It is not known how long he has been HIV positive, or how long he has been aware of his HIV status, but it may be at least a year or more. It is now understood that he is 40 years old, although he looks younger. He appears to have lied about his age on his dating profiles, deducting up to ten years from his real age. He has likely lived in central Auckland for over two years and before that was Wellington-based for approximately a decade. We also understand that he was involved in an incident seven years ago when he came to the attention of police who apparently warned him that his alleged sexual behavior could lead to charges being laid. GayNZ.com has received a number of updates from usually reliable sources regarding the man's history of relationships and unsafe sexual practices. A number of those sources are young men who say that have had sexual relationships with the man. They reinforce the impression of a manipulative man who pressures his partners to engage in unsafe sex and who can readily become aggressive despite his at times engagingly shy persona. He appears to use a mix of apparent empathy, flattery and financial generosity to appeal to his victims. The NZ AIDS Foundation, Body Positive and the Cartier Trust have offered support for any victims, particularly those who might have contracted HIV from the man who is being described as a cunning, manipulative sexual predator. Auckland police are conducting preliminary investigations into the man, whose identity is known to them, and his sexual relationships. They are eager to hear, in confidence, any information which people in the Wellington or Auckland gay communities can provide. The man's partial description - he cannot be named or more closely identified for legal reasons - is contained in the GayNZ.com news stories linked below. NZ Police: Detective Sergeant Andy King, (09) 302 6611 Body Positive: 0800 HIV LINE or (09) 309 3989 NZ AIDS Foundation's Auckland Burnett Centre: (09) 309 5560 NZ AIDS Foundation's Wellington Awhina Centre: (04) 381 6640
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 13th May 2009 - 4:09pm