Family of Cecilia Haddad's alleged killer Mario Santoro refuse to comment

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The family of accused killer Mario Santoro have refused to answer questions as Australian police are set to fly to Brazil after he was arrested yesterday.

New South Wales homicide detectives are ready to assist local officers in Brazil, who arrested the former boyfriend of murdered Sydney businesswoman Cecilia Haddad, but are still awaiting "international protocols" to be met.

Santoro, who was hiding at his sister's apartment in Rio de Janeiro, was arrested on Saturday (Sunday AEST) over the death of Ms Haddad, whose fully-clothed body was found in Lane Cover River in late April.

Today, Santoro's mother visited him at the police station but she refused to speak to 9NEWS US correspondent Lizzie Pearl.

Brazilian police issued a warrant for Santoro's arrest following high-level negotiations with Canberra.

Local footage shows Santoro, who flew back to his native Brazil about the time of the murder, being led through a frenzied media pack on his way into a police station when he was arrested.

Santoro will likely face court in Brazil, with authorities all but ruling out sending him back to Australia.

“NSW Police force is continuing to work through Commonwealth processes in order to bring a successful conclusion to their investigation," a spokeswoman told AAP.

NSW Police issued a warrant for the 40-year-old's arrest last month but Santoro may never face charges in Australia because it is unconstitutional for Brazil to extradite its citizens.

Santoro's arrest was marked by Haddad's friends, including South American actress Dani Suzuki.

“Here or in another world, all your actions will have consequences and all justice will be done," Suzuki posted to Instagram.

“Justice starts now," another friend posted to Facebook.

Fabio Cardoso, from Rio's homicide division, said police believe Ms Haddad, a Brazilian mining executive, was killed by asphyxiation after "not accepting" a break-up.

Yesterday, the federal attorney-general's office wouldn't comment on whether Australia was seeking Santoro's extradition.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop last week told reporters Australian authorities were "working closely" with their Brazilian counterparts to ensure an "appropriate" outcome.