Police investigating a report of 'money washing' are warning anyone who is approached by men purporting to be able to double or triple cash consignments through a 'washing' process that, if the 'victim' agrees to participate in such fraudulent activities, they too are culpable.
In a recent incident a Parnell small business owner was approached by two African customers who offered, then later demonstrated through use of chemicals and trickery, how they could literally turn one $50 note into three. They then explained they needed more cash to, kindly, double or triple the owner's returns.
If the business owner had given the men cash for that purpose, there is little doubt the money would have been stolen.
Moreover, had the businessman agreed to participate in the 'washing' scheme in order to multiply his cash reserves, he would have been conspiring to commit forgery.
On this occasion the business owner did the right thing by reporting the matter to Police and it is being investigated by Auckland City Financial Crime Unit.
Anyone who has had interactions of such nature with anyone offering to convert cash into more cash through such means, should notify Police.
Detective Greg Brand says the usual warning - if it's too good to be true, it is - should not be ignored. Information can go to gregory.brand@police.govt.nz
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz