Police seize $14m in property

Police have managed to recover more than $14 million worth of property from criminals this year.

The police Asset Recovery Unit was able to make the asset restraints and forfeitures by using the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 which allows police to acquire assets acquired or derived from the proceeds of crime.

Detective Superintendent Iain Chapman, national manager Financial Crime Group, said the $14.4m result was “extremely pleasing”.

“Organised crime is, at its essence, profit-based crime. Therefore, every dollar taken off a criminal denies them the opportunity to enjoy the purpose of their offending. Likewise, it prevents them reinvesting and growing their criminal activity. The Act allows police to systematically dismantle organised criminal groups, by targeting them in arguably the most effective way possible.

“Thanks to the dedication and skill of our specialist team members, we have removed a significant amount of assets from criminals across New Zealand this year. I’m very proud of the professional and tenacious work undertaken by our people.”

Assets restrained during the year include real estate, vehicles, boats and cash.

Police claim nearly $20m flowed into bank accounts linked to Head Hunters boss Wayne Doyle over the past 15 years, the Herald has previously reported.

Half of the money was banked in cash and $9.2m was deposited into the account of the motorcycle gang’s charitable trust, while the Ministry of Social Development allege Doyle claimed $380,000 in social welfare payments he was not entitled to.

The claims resulted in Justice Geoffrey Venning granting orders to freeze $6m worth of assets linked to the gang president.

Chapman said the vast majority of the asset restraints and forfeitures carried out this year have been against organised crime groups who were involved in the manufacture and supply of methamphetamine.

“We know the devastation that methamphetamine is causing in our communities and we will take every opportunity . . . to disrupt, deter and derail those seeking to profit from that devastation.”

There were four Asset Recovery Units, based in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.