Footage shows missing Aussie entering Rio hotel hours before making transactions and disappearing
Police in Brazil have questioned an apartment owner after CCTV footage emerged showing the last hours before the disappearance of Australian man Rye Hunt, not seen for 10 days.
The footage released to local media shows the 25-year-old Tasmanian man being led into an apartment building in Copacabana around 3.30pm on May 21, just one hour after he left Galeao International Airport in a taxi.
Mr Hunt then left the building around 6.30pm and made a number of transactions on the street, the ABC reports.
He has not been seen or heard from since.
The Hunt's family confirmed in a statement that Mr Hunt had checked into an apartment at 3.30pm.
The last known image of Rye before he got into a taxi at Galeao International Airport on May 21 after a 'verbal altercation' with his friend and travel companion Mitch Sheppard.
Mr Hunt had arranged to meet his travelling companion Australian backpacker Mitch Sheppard at the airport before flying to Bolovia.
But the pair reportedly had a row before splitting up with the intention of meeting up again after 30 minutes.
But Mr Hunt did not reappear.
Rio-based journalist Alexandre Tortoriello told the ABC Mr Shepherd "is not talking to the press, so we don't know the reason of this argument. We don't know actually why they split up."
Mr Hunt hasn't used his social media, email and bank accounts since he disappeared.
Rye and his travel buddy had a row in the hours before he disappeared.
His camera, laptop and large backpack have been found by Brazilian police, but it's unclear if his wallet, phone and passport have also been located.
Mr Rye's phone does not appear to have been used since his disappearance.
His sister, Romany Brodribb, says Mr Sheppard - who remains in Rio - is committed to finding his friend.
"After Rye disappeared, Mitchell has been incredibly upset and worried and scared," she told ABC local radio on Monday.
"He has made the comment that he won't leave without Rye."
The friends had travelled through Asia and south America together.
Mr Hunt's uncle and girlfriend are flying to Brazil with the help of a crowd-funding campaign to join the search.
Mr Sheppard's brother will also go to offer support.
Rye and his girlfriend.
A social media campaign to #findrye has been shared across Australia and South America.
His family have thanked the public for the "love and support shown to his family at this difficult time".
