Fri 15 May 2009 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
5.00PM: The police investigation into the alleged Auckland sexual predator who has reportedly knowingly infected a number of young gay men with HIV has been given new impetus after a formal complaint was lodged today. "The investigation is now a formal investigation," says Detective Andy King of the Adult Sexual Assault Team. "What we had before today was information that this situation was potentially ocurring. But now we have a formal complaint from a male in the community who is alleging that he has been deliberately infected with HIV by another male." King says his team is taking the complaint "very seriously" and that three police officers are now working on an official investigation of the matter. "We will now be looking to corroborate the information we have received from the complainant," says King, who says he prefers not to give any details of the complainant or the complaint at this stage of the investigation. King says his team has already been contacted by "a number of people offering information" and although GayNZ.com's investigations have revealed a likely Wellington connection and that young straight women may have been in contact with the alleged 'predator' the investigation will for now primarily centre on the specific complaint laid today. King says he has "a fair idea" of the whereabouts of the subject of the complaint but will not confirm if the man, who was seen in Auckland just days ago, is still in New Zealand. He will not comment on how the investigation will progress or whether an arrest is likely. "First we have to ascertain whether there has been any criminal activity, and then see if there is legislation that fits what has happened." King says he urges anyone who has had contact with the as yet unidentified man - whose description can be accessed on the news story link below - to contact him on (09) 302 6611. The NZ AIDS Foundation, Body Positive Auckland and other HIV-related organisations are reiterating their availability to provide support and conduct confidential HIV and STD tests for anyone worried they may be a victim of the predator.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 15th May 2009 - 5:19pm