Search warrants executed over suspected breach of Russian Sanctions Act

A series of search warrants has been executed in Auckland, Christchurch, and Melbourne, Australia, in relation to a joint law enforcement investigation into suspected breaches of the Russia Sanctions Act 2022 and Australian autonomous sanctions.

Following a referral from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), a joint NZ Police and Customs investigation began in New Zealand in December, 2025, into the activities of three companies suspected of committing offences under the Act.

The offending under investigation relates to the alleged export of prohibited assets, which is an offence under regulation 13 of the Russia Sanctions Regulations 2022.

Following a referral from New Zealand Customs Service, Australian Border Force (ABF) commenced its own enquiries into the alleged unlawful export of sanctioned goods from Australia which imposes autonomous sanctions in relation to Russia.

After search warrants were executed on June 22 in Auckland and Christchurch, police carried out further search warrants in Christchurch last Friday. Those warrants were executed in co-ordination with warrants carried out in Melbourne by Australian Border Force and Australian Federal Police with support from the Australian Sanctions Office (DFAT).

In addition to the criminal investigation, the Financial Crime Group’s Asset Recovery Unit has obtained a restraining order under the Criminal Proceeds Recovery Act 2009 for a residential property in Christchurch. Detective Inspector Christiaan Barnard of the New Zealand Police Financial Crime Group says police are reminding businesses that compliance with all sanctions, including those under the Russia Sanctions Act, is a legal requirement.

“All New Zealand companies must understand their obligations, assess potential exposure to sanctioned activities, and implement robust due diligence processes to ensure they do not unlawfully export or deal in prohibited assets,” he says. “Resources and guidance are available on the websites for police, Customs, and MFAT.

“While much of this guidance is directed at duty holders, it is also useful for all businesses to better understand the risks.”

ABF Inspector Jessica Frezza says as Australia’s frontline border agency, the ABF remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade, implementing a dedicated end-to-end sanctions enforcement function.

“The ABF works closely with domestic and international agencies to detect, deter and disrupt the movement of illicit and sanctioned goods across the border,” Frezza says.

“Through these close strategic partnerships, the ABF continues to target and investigate potential criminal activity, ensuring our community’s interests are protected and our global commitments on sanctioned goods are upheld.”

Police confirm no charges have been filed in relation to the matter at this stage and enquiries are ongoing.