New Zealand Police said yesterday that the 19-year-old Chinese teenager found dead in a suitcase floating in Auckland's Waitemata Harbor was Wan Biao, a student from East China's Zhejiang Province.

 

Detective Inspector Bernie Hollewand said police are contacting his family in Zhejiang.

 

The Consulate-General of China in Auckland has contacted Auckland Police, asking them to solve the case as soon as possible.

 

The Police have also been examining Wan's Auckland home and talking to a number of people.

 

Wan was reported missing by acquaintances in Auckland.

 

Hollewand said a distinctive mark on Wan's body helped to confirm his identity.

 

The police still want to hear from anyone who saw a heavy suitcase being dragged towards a boat or into the harbor.

 

The police said Wan died from multiple injuries inflicted less than 24 hours before his body was found on Thursday. They said it is likely the crime was not planned.

 

(China Daily April 17, 2006)