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Police have restrained $10 million in assets, including luxury performance vehicles and properties in Auckland and Waikato, due to an attempted importation of more than half a tonne of methamphetamine.
As organised crime is motivated by profit, asset recovery is a critical component in disrupting criminal enterprises, acting Detective Senior Sergeant, Richard Trushell says.
“This investigation demonstrates our ability to respond to organised crime extends well beyond just arrests and prosecutions. By targeting the profits and assets derived from criminal offending, we remove the financial incentive that drives organised criminal groups,” he says.
“Investigations like these are highly complex and involve analysing a significant volume of financial material, so it is pleasing to get to this point.”
In 2024, Operation Girder, a joint investigation between Customs and NZ Police, uncovered a sophisticated criminal operation allegedly importing 42 steel beams from the United States. Authorities seized approximately 515 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside the shipment.
A recent, parallel investigation has culminated in the Northern Asset Recovery Unit (ARU) restraining assets for those allegedly connected to the operation under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act, Trushell confirms.
“Our investigation has involved extensive financial analysis of banking transactions, company records, property holdings, and other financial interests of those allegedly involved.”
The list includes $1.4m of luxury vehicles, residential and commercial properties, and around $1.1m in jewellery in addition to funds in bank accounts and cash.
Police and Customs remain committed to working collaboratively to identify, restrain and recover criminal proceeds, preventing organised crime groups from benefiting from their offending, Trushell adds.
Information about money laundering or benefitting from the proceeds of crime should be reported online, via 105, or calling Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
