Search for man running from police widens after Wānaka sighting

The search for a man on the run from police has been expanded after he was recently sighted in Wānaka. Jin Zhong, 38, was first wanted for fraud offending in May 2025. Almost a year later, he attracted another warrant for arrest after failing to appear in court. At the time, police said Zhong was avoiding efforts to apprehend him and was known to frequent the wider Auckland area. Today, the scope of that search had widened to the South Island. "He was most recently sighted in Wānaka, while wearing a face mask and hoodie," police said. Police shared three CCTV images that showed a man leaving a store with his face and eyes covered. "If you have seen him or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105," police said.