Today, Police officers from the Northern Asset Recovery Unit initiated civil proceedings against several companies associated with the operation of a well known, Auckland based, restaurant chain restraining property valued in excess of $34 million.
The proceedings are the result of a joint investigation involving Immigration NZ, the Labour Inspectorate, Inland Revenue and Police.
Detective Inspector Paul Hampton of the Police Financial Crime Group says the joint investigation demonstrates the willingness and ability of Government agencies to work together to protect the community, detect and prosecute offenders, and to recover ill-gotten gains.
“To those who profit from criminal activity, beware”, he says.
Immigration New Zealand General manager Peter Devoy shows the great work being done by agencies working together.
“This is a fantastic result and shows what happens when agencies work together,” Mr Devoy says. “People who derive income from Immigration related criminal activity accumulating assets will now be the focus of interagency attention. ”
This matter is next due before the High Court in Auckland in early 2016