A Hawke's Bay Mongrel Mob gang member has had more than $2 million worth of his assets seized including five houses, six vehicles, a boat and almost $75,000 in cash.
The High Court in Napier on August 25 ordered the forfeiture of the assets and cash after a long-running investigation by the Police Asset Recovery Unit called Operation Dusk into the activities of the Mongrel Mob Notorious chapter.
The assets to be forfeited include five residential properties, cash and bank accounts totalling over $74,000, six motor vehicles including two trucks, three motorbikes and one dirt bike, a boat, trailers and a Kobelco digger.
Detective Sam Buckley from the Central Asset Recovery Unit in Wellington said the senior gang member was the subject of a criminal investigation between 2019 and 2021.
"This investigation was led by the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) based in Wellington, with support from the Eastern District Organised Crime Unit," Dct Buckley said.
"Six other people were also arrested after a series of search warrants across the Hawke's Bay area in May 2021."
Black Power and Outlaw MC gangs were also targeted as part of the wider Operation Dusk, Buckley said.
The gang members made efforts to "distance themselves from assets", including registering them in the names of family members, friends, and other gang members, according to Buckley.
The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act investigation established the assets were derived through illicit means, allowing them to live a lifestyle beyond legitimate means that was openly displayed to the Hawke's Bay public, Buckley said.
Two motor vehicle dealers were also warned for their interactions with the Mongrel Mob.
"This is an example of Police successfully targeting organised crime through both criminal and civil court jurisdictions," Buckley said.
"One of the primary reasons that organised crime exists is to make money and this result should show people participating in this activity, that they will be held accountable."
The Asset Recovery Unit has since restrained over $8.7 million worth of property and cash from Mongrel Mob members in the Hawke's Bay region over the last three years.
This includes assets restrained from senior members of various chapters.
"Organised crime and gangs in the Hawke's Bay cause serious harm to our communities and Police are committed to dismantling and disrupting their ability to do so," Buckley said
"Police will continue to work to strip organised crime groups and their associates of their wealth earnt from criminal activity."
Police urge anyone with information about illegal activity taking place in their community to contact 105, or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
If there is immediate risk to life or property, call 111.
