Police sting alleged Comanchero money-laundering operation - $650,000 worth of assets restrained and arrests made. Video / Supplied
Police have raided several properties in a major sting against a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in providing money-laundering services for the Comanchero motorcycle gang.
Three men have been arrested at properties across the Auckland region, with more than $650,000 worth of assets restrained by police as part of Operation Rider.
The arrests comprise a patched member of the Comanchero motorcycle gang, an associate of the gang and a motor vehicle dealer.
All three, aged 35, 36 and 37, are facing charges in the Auckland District Court relating to money laundering and participating in an organised crime group.
"This operation began in late 2019 and looked into the alleged money-laundering operations of the Comanchero motorcycle gang following on from Operation Nova," Rinckes said.
Five high-value luxury vehicles were seized by police today, including a rare Mercedes Benz limited-edition G-Class wagon. Photo / NZ Police
It will be alleged one of those charged has assisted this group with their professional skills to conceal their proceeds of crime, he said.
"Those offering their professional services to organised criminal groups remain on notice that they are not immune to being held to account for their offending.
"Their involvement in illegal activity is coming to our attention and police will continue to hold those involved in this sort of offending to account.
"By enabling organised crime groups to conceal the profits of their illegal activities, it is continuing a cycle of harm imposed on vulnerable communities that are preyed on by these groups."
Police say the value of these assets is a clear indication of the proceeds crime groups such as the Comancheros generate and have at their disposal.
Since 2019, police have seized more than $5 million in assets from this group.
Police inquiries are continuing and further arrests or charges cannot be ruled out.
