"More potential victims come forward in Kaitaia case"

Police have identified more potential victims in relation to Operation Snap after receiving several calls and emails in the last two days.

Police called for potential victims to come forward after the court appearance of Kaitaia man Michael Harris on Wednesday on 39 charges including:
• Aggravated Wounding (drugging of a victim to facilitate an indecent
assault)
• Making of intimate visual recordings
• Possession of intimate visual recordings
• Indecent Assault

Harris has been remanded in custody to appear again on September 18. These charges relate to 16 adult male victims who stayed at the Main Street Lodge in Kaitaia.

They are mostly overseas tourists aged between 18 and 25.

By yesterday afternoon 30 people had contacted police through the 0800 number and email and more people contacted police overnight. Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston says from these calls and emails police have identified three more potential victims.

These victims are German.

Mr Johnston says police would still like to hear from anyone who believes they were a victim in this case and those making contact to give their full name and as many contact details as possible such as landline and cellphone numbers, email addresses and Skype addresses.

“This information all helps us to maintain contact with potential victims.

If possible police would also like potential victims to provide a photo of them, which will help the inquiry team in its investigations.

“
All information will be kept confidential and we will deal with victims sensitively and offer all appropriate support required.”

Potential victims or anyone who has information relating to the case can contact:
0800 SNAP01 (0800 762 701)
operationsnap@police.govt.nz

ENDS

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