Detective Inspector Christiaan Barnard: 

A Wellington-based man was arrested by the Financial Crime Group in Auckland this morning as part of an FBI investigation into an organised criminal group who stole cryptocurrency from seven victims valued at US$265M (NZD$450M).

Between March and August 2024, the cryptocurrency is alleged to have been fraudulently obtained by manipulating the victims and subsequently laundered through multiple cryptocurrency platforms. 

Over the past three days, search warrants have been executed in Auckland, Wellington, and California with several people arrested, including one in New Zealand. A total of 13 people are facing charges. 

The Wellington man has been indicted by the US Department of Justice under US Federal law with charges of racketeering (RICO), conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. 

It is alleged the defendants scammed seven victims, spending the stolen virtual currency to purchase, among other things, $9 million of exotic cars, hundreds of thousands of dollars on luxury handbags, watches and clothing, nightclub services and private security guards and rental homes in Los Angeles, the Hamptons and Miami.

The man was bailed after appearing in the Auckland District Court today where he received interim name suppression. 

He is due to reappear in the Auckland District Court on 3 July 2025. We have worked closely with our law enforcement colleagues in the United States in support of their investigation.

Today’s search warrant and arrest reflects the importance of international partnerships where criminals are operating across borders. There is an ongoing investigation, and no further comment will be made by Police.

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