Police scoop $14.4m worth of property through proceeds of crime act

Police have recovered $14.4m under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act, a portion of which would have come from Head Hunters gang president Wayne Doyle. Photo / File

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, motorcycles,
boats and cash.

Head Hunters boss Wayne Doyle has had nearly $20m flow into his bank accounts over the past 15 years, the Herald has previously reported.

Half of the money was banked in cash and $9.2 million 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.

It 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 that we can 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.