Canadian officials are investigating reports that a suspect in Brazil has been arrested related to the murder of Leamington businessman Dean Tiessen.
Military police arrested Thomas Manoel Paulino during a drug trafficking operation on the coast of Sao Paulo, say the reports from media in Brazil.
Nicolas Doire, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, says “we are aware of reports that a suspect has been arrested in relation to the death.”
“Canadian consular officials in Sao Paolo are in contact with the local authorities to gather additional information and are providing assistance to the family of the deceased,” says Doire.
CTV News contacted New Energy Farms, the company Tiessen ran with his brother, and a representative says the family is aware of the reports.
Tiessen's widow Jenn told CTV News in a statement today “It's a positive development that someone is in custody, of course.”
But she also says “It’s difficult to understand how a complete stranger could have had so much power over our lives.”
Doire says to protect the privacy of the individual concerned, further details on this case cannot be released.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies continue to be with the family,” says Doire.
