Billboards launched in search of B.C. boy believed to be with unidentified caretaker

Three weeks after the disappearance of an 11-year-old B.C. boy, authorities have set up billboard hoping to generate tips about his whereabouts.

As the search continues for missing child Kai Pavlovic, authorities have set up billboards with his picture in communities across B.C. — and made a new appeal to the province’s Serbian community.

The billboards urge anyone with information on the 11-year-old’s whereabouts to contact the Burnaby RCMP detachment immediately, or visit MissingKids.ca.

In a statement, Cpl. Laura Hirst said investigators have been “working tirelessly” to find the child, and urged the public to help authorities confirm that he’s safe.

“We want everyone to be on the lookout for Kai,” said Hirst. “The billboards are another method among many which we are using to get the word out about Kai and help move our investigation forward.”

The RCMP has also shared a Serbian-language news release on his disappearance, after learning his family has connections to the Serbian community.

Following conversations with the child’s extended family, investigators have reason to believe he’s with a caretaker — though that person’s identity still has not yet been confirmed, weeks after he went missing.

“We are making a direct appeal to that caretaker or anyone who knows them,” said Hirst. “If you have Kai in your care, you need to come forward and contact the Burnaby RCMP.”

Authorities previously said the circumstances of the child’s disappearance do not yet meet the threshold for issuing an Amber Alert.

The child was discovered missing on Sept. 26, after RCMP officers were asked to check on his well-being.

Burnaby RCMP has declined to confirm details of the child’s custody arrangements, or information contained in an online fundraiser purportedly set up by extended family in New Zealand, citing privacy concerns.

“Kai has been living in Canada and had limited contact with family overseas over the last 12 months,” reads the fundraiser. “Recently, concern for his well-being was raised by his deceased father’s family.”

Last week, the RCMP shared a statement from unnamed family members describing the missing child as “bright, curious and outgoing,” and someone who “loves to climb trees, build forts and learn to sail.”

“He is a friend to all animals and particularly adores horses, cats and dogs,” the statement continued. “Kai’s family in New Zealand loves him dearly.”

The child is described as being approximately 5’ tall with a thin build and brown hair.

Sightings or information on his whereabouts can be reported to Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999, or any local police department.