Two police officers have been arrested in Brazil and taken into custody, after a New Zealander said he was kidnapped and made to withdraw cash.

Jay Lee says he was threatened at the weekend by men dressed in military police uniforms.

Things escalated further yesterday when military police turned up on his doorstep.

New Zealand's Ambassador became involved after Mr Lee and his partner, former Newstalk ZB reporter Laura McQuillan, locked themselves in their apartment.

Two officers have now been taken in for questioning and are being detained.