A celebrated children's author-turned-publisher has left the country, with a trail of unpaid debts and angry authors in her wake.

Fraudster Michael Swann was released from prison on parole yesterday, but his whereabouts remain unknown.

The man who defrauded the former Otago DHB of nearly $17m has left prison today a free man - albeit with a $6m pecuniary order.

The following text scams have been reported to the Department of Internal Affairs. If you receive one, or any text like them, do not reply.

Serious Fraud Office investigation and prosecution numbers have dropped by about a quarter but its boss warns that is no indication there is less white collar crime.

The director of a water filter company was unaware salesmen told customers tap water could cause leukaemia, cancer, miscarriages and birth defects, his lawyer says.

The director of a water filter company which allegedly used fear tactics to sign up new customers is back before the Auckland District Court today.

Notions of convicted fraudster Michael Swann living in luxury while on parole are exaggerated, says Christchurch businessman Alasdair Cassels.

The mastermind of one of NZ's biggest public service frauds is about to be released from prison to live on a property "most of us can only dream about".

Legal action on bank fees has given fresh inspiration to scammers, warns the banking industry.

Brian Easton had supposedly won a prize with travel agent Embrace Holiday.

A woman who stole nearly $450,000 from a prominent Auckland couple could not be sentenced as planned today as the presiding judge knew her victims.

An Auckland businesswoman accused over a $9.2 million mortgage ramping scheme is expected to enter a plea at her next appearance.

Internal Affairs Minister and Napier MP Chris Tremain has requested a report into how a British killer managed to obtain a New Zealand passport issued in the name of a severely brain-damaged Hastings man.

A management restructure at Immigration New Zealand will result in 50 branch and regional managerial positions being disestablished.

A convicted killer who stole the identity of a brain-damaged man appeared in an Australian court several times before police realised who he really was.

A former North Island mayor has applied for the High Court to dismiss some of the charges he is facing in a Serious Fraud Office case.

The Bank of New Zealand has refunded $4 million to 90,000 customers.

A Vatican official already under investigation in a purported money-laundering plot involving the Vatican bank was arrested yesterday in a separate operation.

More than half a decade after authorities began probing the failed Five Star Group, founder Neill Williams has pleaded guilty to the last of the charges he faced.

The last men standing from Dominion Finance have now pleaded guilty but could still face further court action if authorities continue with their civil case against the firm's directors and seek penalties of up to $500,000 from each of them.

Dominion Finance and North South Finance directors Rick Bettle and Vance Arkinstall have pleaded guilty to five Securities Act charges in the High Court.

The elderly accountant - who has been declared bankrupt twice since age 60 - was sentenced to three years, seven months in jail earlier this year.

An accounts clerk took advantage of her boss' wife's cancer when she stole more than $370,000 and spent it all on holidays in Australia, a court has been told.

Rick Bettle has resigned from the board of Diligent Board Member Services, as the trial for his role at failed lender Dominion Finance looms.

Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper says he's shattered by news the Taupo District Council is being investigated by the Serious Fraud Office.