Australian man who impersonated a police officer to allegedly kidnap and torture a businessman in an extortion bid has been arrested in Cambodia after seven years on the run

  • Guido James Eglitis, 68, was arrested on Friday by Cambodia police
  • He arrest came after a British man said two men violently entered his room
  • He jumped bail in Queensland in 2007 for an alleged attack
  • If found guilty in Cambodia, it is likely he will be deported to Australia

By BRIANNE TOLJ FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: | Updated:

An Australian man who has spent seven years on the run was arrested on Friday by Cambodian police after allegedly attacking a man.

Guido James Eglitis, 68, formerly of Warrnambool, Victoria, was arrested in Siem Reap after a British man told Cambodian police that two man violently attacked him in his room on September 29 and took his passport and camera. 

New Zealander Brett Michael Hastie, 44, was also arrested with Mr Eglitis. 

Guido Eglitis (left), 70, who has been on the run from Queensland police since 2007, has been seen drinking at several Bangkok bars after being released from jail in Cambodia

Guido James Eglitis (pictured left) was arrested with Brett Michael Hastie (pictured right) by Cambodia police on Friday. Mr Eglitis has been on the run from Australian authorities for seven years. 

Mr Eglitis jumped bail in Queensland for allegedly attacking a businessman in 2007. 

Australian investigators claim Mr Eglitis impersonated a policeman before kidnapping the businessman, binding him and demanding money while torturing him.

The businessman was able to untie the restraints on his hands and escape from Mr Eglitis,The Age reported.

Mr Eglitis is facing charges of kidnapping, deprivation of liberty, robbery, impersonating an officer and possessing restricted items.

Eglitis was arrested in Siem Reap in October last year for allegedly assaulting and robbing a British man in his hotel room but was released last week 

Police learned Mr Eglitis was living in Siem Reap, Cambodia, last year after he jumped bail in 2007

Australian authorities were alerted to Mr Eglitis’ presence in Cambodia last year when he claimed to be a private investigator helping Cambodian police investigate the death of Canadian journalist Dave Walker.

Mr Walker’s body was found under mysterious circumstances near Angkor Wat.

It is possible he will be deported back to Australia after he appears before a Cambodian court.


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