Phillip Smith Captured In Brazil

Fugitive Phillip Smith has been taken into custody in Brazil after a guest at a hostel in Rio de Janeiro recognised him, a Brazilian journalist says.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush made the announcement of Smith's arrest just after 4.30am, saying Brazil Federal Police had Smith in their custody. The New Zealand police liaison officer in Brazil visited Mr Smith and confirmed his identity.

Brazilian journalist Alexandre Tortoriello told Radio New Zealand that Smith had been arrested in a hostel in central Rio de Janeiro. "Mr Smith arrived here at the motel in central Rio yesterday by himself with large luggage and presented himself as an Australian citizen." He said Smith had checked in under a false name.

Another person staying at the hostel recognised Smith from media reports and alerted the authorities, he said. Smith used the name James Paul Andrews when he checked in to the hostel.

Mr Torteriello said he wasn't certain whether Smith would remain in police custody. He said because Smith hadn't committed any crimes in Brazil it was unclear what will happen next.

"It's not clear yet whether he will remain in custody or not because we don't know the legal grounds of the detention.

"We spoke to some legal advisors here in Brazil and we're told that [extradition] can be worked through between the Brazilian and New Zealand authorities." Mike Bush said there would be a further update from police later this morning.

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