Kiwi businessman Sir Ron Brierley, who on Tuesday was arrested and charged with possessing child sex abuse material, has holed up in his Sydney home.
A trip to Fiji turned into a trip to court, as Australian police caught up with the 82-year-old as he tried to board a flight at Sydney Airport.
Police received an anonymous tip-off that made Sir Ron a suspect, sparking a four month investigation which culminated on Tuesday with his arrest. Six charges of possessing child pornography have already been laid.
In Sydney's most exclusive suburb, Sir Ron's home was his hideout on Wednesday. The businessman was bailed to his house in Point Piper, trying to avoid the media glare.
Police will allege large amounts of child abuse material were found on his laptop and devices. It's unclear yet if they've searched his home - but Sir Ron has been bailed on strict conditions, to appear in a Sydney court in February.
Authorities still have a warrant to search his property.
The 82-year-old is number 82 on the NBR rich list with a net worth of $220 million. He's been one of New Zealand's most significant business figures of the past 60 years.
A famed corporate raider in the 1980s and '90s, his companies Guinness Peat Group and Brierley Investments are among the country's biggest names.
He was knighted in 1988.
"If proven guilty it will have an enormous effect on his legacy," business commentator Fran O'Sullivan said. "It could see his knighthood stripped, for instance and it will mean a glorious and at times inglorious career ends with this being what he's remembered for."
That legacy on Wednesday night is under question, but the answers will have to wait.
