Two men in court over World Cup ticket scam

Photo / Brett Phibbs

Two men have appeared in court in connection with a $500,000 international Rugby World Cup ticket scam.

Police raided two properties in Auckland today as part of a multi-agency operation to crack an organised crime ring that fraudulently bought matcch tickets using false credit card details.

They recovered 933 tickets with a combined value of more than $500,000 for a range of matches throughout the tournament. Cash was also recovered.

Detective Superintendent Andy Lovelock said Auckland police worked closely with Immigration and Customs staff to catch several people involved in the fraud.

Over the past week, six people were intercepted at points of entry, or on their way to New Zealand, interviewed and turned away by Immigration and Customs staff.

Detective Superintendent Lovelock said police had also worked closely with tournament officials since the fraud was detected. The fraudulently-purchased tickets were made void as a result.

"Initial analysis indicated police have recovered the majority of the tickets which were fraudulently purchased. Rugby World Cup 2011 tournament organisers will be working with police on any issues occurring at match venues which might involve any remaining dishonestly obtained tickets.

"This will help us gather more information as part of our ongoing investigation."

Detective Superintendent Lovelock said was a "significant result" for everyone involved in the operation.

"It should send a clear signal we have the systems and capability to detect and prosecute this kind of offending."