Search warrants executed as part of Operation Coin

Police have today executed search warrants at various locations in Auckland, with the support of a number of other government agencies , including the Serious Fraud Office, Customs, Ministry of Social Development and Inland Revenue.

The execution of the search warrants follows an extensive investigation into alleged accumulation of criminally derived wealth by a senior member of the Head Hunters gang.

This civil investigation is known as Operation Coin, and has utilised the powers under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act to target those deriving income from criminal activity.

The Commissioner of Police was last week granted restraining orders from the High Court in relation to various properties that are controlled by the Head Hunters member, a 62-year-old beneficiary. The value of the restrained property is approximately $6 million.

"A significant amount of work has gone into Operation Coin by a dedicated group of Detectives and investigators from partner government agencies.

Police are committed to ensuring that people can not accrue wealth and assets as a result of criminal behaviour, 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,” said Detective Superintendent Iain Chapman, head of the Police Financial Crime Group.

Given the ongoing nature of the investigation further information is not available at this time.

ENDS

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