Federal authorities have ordered the Perth businessman behind the failed fuel technology company Firepower to forfeit his passport.

Tim Johnston disappeared overseas after Firepower collapsed, but the company's liquidator has today confirmed federal authorities found him at his Gold Coast home.

They have given him until noon Friday to hand in his passport to the Federal Court.

About 1,200 shareholders invested up to $100 million in the company, which promoted a fuel additive designed to reduce vehicle emissions.

Liquidator Bryan Hughes says he has also secured a Federal Court order compelling Mr Johnston to face a public examination into Firepower's collapse.

"Now we have the opportunity to put him into the stand and to, under oath, examine him and to bring him to account for his actions and to try and determine whether that leads to charges against him," Mr Hughes said.