Police have restrained a $10 million list of assets, including luxury performance vehicles and properties, off the back of an attempted importation of more than half a tonne of methamphetamine.
Operation Girder, a joint investigation between Customs and Police, uncovered a sophisticated criminal operation allegedly importing 42 steel beams from the United States. Authorities seized around 515 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside in October 2024.
Now, a parallel investigation has culminated in the Northern Asset Recovery Unit restraining assets for those allegedly connected to the operation under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act.
“Our investigation has involved extensive financial analysis of banking transactions, company records, property holdings, and other financial interests of those allegedly involved,” Officer in Charge, Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Richard Trushell says.
On the list includes $1.4m of luxury vehicles, as well as three residential and a commercial property across Waikato and Auckland.
The Northern ARU have also restrained around $1.1m in jewellery, on top of as well as funds in bank accounts and cash.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Trushell says organised crime remains motivated by profit, and asset recovery remains a critical component in disrupting these criminal enterprises.
“This investigation demonstrates our ability to respond to organised crime extends well beyond just arrests and prosecutions. By targeting the profits and assets derived from criminal offending, we remove the financial incentive that drives organised criminal groups,” he says.
“Investigations like these are highly complex and involve analysing a significant volume of financial material, so it is pleasing to get to this point.”
Police and Customs remain committed to working collaboratively to identify, restrain and recover criminal proceeds, preventing organised crime groups from benefiting from their offending.
The criminal proceedings against those charged remain before the courts. As such, Police are limited in what further information can be released at this time.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Trushell continues to welcome information about those involved in money laundering or benefitting from the proceeds of crime.
People can report information online, via 105, or calling Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
