Police have zeroed in on a million-dollar fake investment scam duping Kiwis out of their savings.
On Tuesday, after an investigation by the Waitematā Financial Crime Unit, detectives executed a search warrant at a South Auckland address linked to the scam.
As a result, a 72-year-old male was arrested at the address and charged.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, of Waitematā CIB, said the arrest is a significant development in what is a complex area of investigation.
"Police making enquiries at the address located and seized a number of documents and computer equipment believed to be linked to the alleged offending."
Bunting said the male is due to appear in the Manukau District Court on Friday.
"The male will face ten counts of money laundering, which is alleged to involve around $1.775 million dollars' worth of money changing hands."
Police said further charges are possible.
"We have previously engaged with our overseas counterparts and will continue to do so as our enquiries progress," Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting said.
Bunting said police see a lot of fraud files coming across their desks.
"Unfortunately, there are a number of esurient people both here in New Zealand and abroad who seek to cause harm to vulnerable members of our community by scamming them out of their earnings."
There are several NZ Government websites that have information and advice to help avoid falling victim to common fraudulent activity and scams.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has more information on how you can prevent yourself, family and friends from being scammed. Visit https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/scamwatch/
