The man at the centre of what's been labelled as the biggest illegal lottery ever discovered in New Zealand can be revealed as 23-year-old Waiariki McIlroy-Jones.
The Rangiora man is before the courts on multiple illegal gambling offences, after an investigation by Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) found the man and his company allegedly made $11,125,500 in a little more than one year.
It's alleged they sold illicit lotteries online to people in New Zealand, offering prizes such as cash, expensive cars and boats, and even a freehold house.
Marty Greentree, DIA's investigations manager, said the Gambling Act (2003) consolidated and updated a lot of older legislation and is there for a reason.
"It has three overarching objectives and they are to reduce harm, benefit the community through returns from gambling proceeds and also to ensure the integrity of gambling processes," said Greentree.
Under the Act, only authorised not-for-profit organisations can offer gambling services with prizes valued over $5000, for specific purposes. They also need a Class 3 gambling licence.
Police have also filed proceedings against the man and his company in the High Court, after a referral from the DIA.
McIlroy-Jones and his company have been charged with conducting illegal gambling, promoting illegal gambling, and making a pecuniary gain from illegal gambling.
He will reappear in court next month.
