Gulf Harbour body: Police reveal new information about victim amid Interpol investigation

  • 10/05/2024
Gulf Harbour body: Police reveal new information about victim amid Interpol investigation
Photo credit: Newshub.

Police have revealed new information in the investigation into a woman's body found floating in Gulf Harbour in March.

The woman's body was found wrapped in black plastic, and was reeled out of the water on March 12.

On Friday, Acting Detective Inspector Tim Williams thanked those who've since come forward with information 

"We have now had more than 120 calls to both our dedicated number and through to the 105 service providing Police with information to assist us in our investigation," he said.

Police issued a Black Notice through Interpol in April, which is an appeal to law enforcement in other countries for help to identify bodies.

Since then, "police have received information in regards to this", said Acting Det Insp Williams.

"While we cannot go into the specifics, Interpol continues to receive information from a myriad of countries, the most recent being from Canada earlier this month," he added.

Det Insp Williams revealed police are working with forensic specialists, pathologists, geneticists and other scientists to get to the bottom of who the woman is.

"These, alongside genealogy testing for unidentified deceased persons, have outlined that it is highly likely the woman is of Chinese descent," he said.

"We have also received advice she was likely aged between her early thirties to early fifties."

The autopsy revealed the woman was "of very slight build" and her gallbladder was removed "at some stage of her life".

Detectives continue to work with police's Ethnic Liaison Officers and Interpol on the "complex and challenging" case, but still want the public's help.

"Our dedicated team are still working to understand the who, where, and why of this investigation, but we do need your help," said Det Insp Williams.

"As such, we are again asking those in the community to consider the people they have dealt with in the past and think about if there is anyone you have concerns for."

That includes estranged neighbours, absent tenants, or someone in the community who matches the victim's description.

"If you do have information, please do not hesitate to report it to Police," Det Insp Williams said.

People can call the dedicated investigation team directly on 0800 755 021, or call 105 and reference file number 240312/9837. Calls can be made anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.