Betting anomalies have been identified and police say more arrests are possible as the probe into alleged corruption n New Zealand harness racing widens to the Auckland region.
Thirteen harness racing figures have so far appeared in court after being caught up in the 18-month Operation Inca race-fixing investigation by the National Organised Crime Group.
Many of the racing identities cannot be named for legal reasons and have denied match-fixing and other charges. They are awaiting a High Court hearing in February for name suppression to be argued.
The charges came after raids on multiple stables and properties in Canterbury, Invercargill and Manawatu in September.
Today, police revealed investigators from the Racing Integrity Unit (RIU) and detectives from the National Organised Crime Group have this week conducted further enquiries in the Auckland region.
"A number of people have been interviewed as part of this week's enquiries, and betting anomalies have been identified in at least one race in May 2018," a police statement said.
"The RIU is considering charges relating to the breach of rules around driver betting in relation to these anomalies.