Update: 12:54PM NEW Zealand Police have today executed search warrants at various locations in Auckland as they extend their investigations into alleged accumulation of criminally-derived wealth by a senior member of the Head Hunters gang.
Police are working with a number of other government agencies, including the Serious Fraud Office, Customs, Ministry of Social Development and Inland Revenue.
This civil investigation is called Operation Coin and it has used the powers under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act to target those deriving income from criminal activity.
A report from NZ Police stated that the Commissioner of Police was last week granted restraining orders from the high court in relation to various properties that were controlled by the Head Hunters member, a 62-year-old beneficiary.
It further reported that the value of the restrained property was approximately $6million.
“A significant amount of work has gone into Operation Coin by a dedicated group of detectives and investigators from partner government agencies,” Police Financial Crime Group head Detective Superintendent Iain Chapman said.
He said Police were committed to ensuring that people could not accrue wealth and assets as a result of criminal behaviour, and at the expense of the safety of our community.
“Police are seeking any information from the public or professional bodies who are engaged in the financial affairs of the Head Hunters gang.”
He added given the ongoing nature of the investigation, further information was not available at this time.
