Three accused of money laundering, drug importing scheme

Bryan Williams appeared in the Auckland District Court today accused of money laundering. Photo / Nick Reed

Three men have been charged over what police suspect is an organised drug importing and money laundering scheme.

Bryan Walter Thomas Williams appeared in the Auckland District Court today to face money laundering and organised crime charges.

He entered no plea and was remanded on bail until later this month.

According to court documents, Williams helped launder more than $450,000, which police believe was the proceeds of a drug importing operation.

The Herald understands the alleged scheme may have ties to West Africa.

Williams' co-accused, Ralph Alan Wilk, is charged with money laundering, participating in organised crime and importing a controlled drug, alongside Ryszard Wilk.

Ralph Wilk, 28, first appeared on July 14 in the Auckland District Court and will reappear next week.

He has been remanded in custody and, according to court documents, is of no fixed abode.

It is also understood Ryszard and Ralph are father and son, and of Polish nationality.

However, Ryszard has no known date for his next court appearance and the Herald understands he may be overseas.

He has also been accused of participating in an organised criminal group and importing a controlled drug, court documents show.

It is alleged that the drug-running operation took place between September last year and last month.