Six people have been arrested and properties and vehicles
totalling around $5 million has been seized following an
ongoing investigation into alleged money-laundering
activity.
This morning, officers from the Financial
Crime Group carried out search warrants at six addresses
across Auckland.
Today’s arrests are the culmination
of a long-running investigation – named Operation Brookings
– into individuals primarily involved in money laundering
offences and was launched at the beginning of
2020.
The Police Asset Recovery Unit has restrained
three properties, in Half Moon Bay, Te Atatu and New Lynn,
worth at least $3.3 million in value.
Seven high-end
luxury vehicles, a boat and three motorbikes have also been
seized worth a combined value of more than $1.2
million.
The vehicles include three new 2020
Mercedes-Benz models, including a G-wagon worth
approximately $280,000 and a Lamborghini Huracan, worth
approximately $450,000.
Approximately $250,000 in cash
was also located and restrained during the search
warrants.
Those arrested are four men and two women,
ranging in age from 29 – 65 years old.
They have all
been charged with money laundering offences.
A
40-year-old man is expected in the Auckland District Court
tomorrow and the remaining individuals will appear in the
Auckland District Court on 20/10/2020.
Police
enquiries are ongoing and we are unable to rule out the
possibility of further people being charged.
Detective
Superintendent Iain Chapman, National Manager of the
Financial Crime Group, says today’s arrests and restrained
assets are the result of hard work and dedication by Police
into money laundering offending.
“These alleged
offenders profited from laundering funds overseas that were
believed to be generated from criminal offending and was
illegally gained.
“These individuals are motivated
by financial greed and have no concern for the criminal
offending that has generated the funds they are profiting
from.
“These arrests serve as a warning to anyone
involved in money laundering activity.
The Financial
Crime Group is targeting money laundering offenders and
those found to be engaging in this offending will be
prosecuted.
“Police will also restrain any assets
obtained through criminal offending and these will be
forfeited to the Crown under the Criminal Proceeds
(Recovery) Act 2009.”“These offenders typically drive
luxury vehicles which they use as status symbols, and Police
will continue to work tirelessly to restrain any assets
derived from the proceeds of illegitimate activity,” says
Detective Superintendent Chapman.
Money Laundering
carries a maximum penalty of seven years
imprisonment.
© Scoop Media