German police have finally solved the mystery of the English-speaking "forest boy" who wandered into Berlin saying his name was Ray and he had been living in the woods for five years.

After publishing his picture earlier this week, police said today a former girlfriend identified him as a 20-year-old from the Netherlands who was reported missing last September.

When confronted with the details, police say the boy confirmed the story.

An official said the boy's real name is Robin but would not give his last name.

It was not immediately clear what will happen now, but police say they are checking into whether he could be charged with fraud.