An Auckland businessman and Justice of the Peace (JP) is under investigation for his alleged involvement in a $100,000 investment scam.
The man is accused of being linked to the scam where the victim was tricked into investing in fake government-backed bonds by BNP Paribas, according to a report in legacy media outlet NZHerald.
The victim lost $100,000 in June and realised the fraud in July. Private investigator Nick Mayer traced the stolen money to the JP’s now frozen BNZ account. Mayer provided the police with evidence, including a secret recording where the JP allegedly mentioned investing the money in Bitcoin. However, the police have not yet interviewed the suspect, almost six months after being alerted.
The victim’s bank, ASB, has declined responsibility for the loss but offered a $2,000 goodwill payment, which the victim rejected. The case is now being investigated by the Banking Ombudsman.
The JP has denied knowledge of the scam and is still authorised to certify legal documents, despite the ongoing police investigation. This situation has raised concerns about the risk to the public.
The victim has filed a complaint with the Royal Federation of NZ Justices’ Associations. Consequently the JP has been removed from the ‘Find a JP‘ website, and the associations have started an investigation into the complaint. The JP will be given an opportunity to respond to the complaint and may resign his warrants as an option.
The power to revoke a JP’s warrant lies with the Governor-General, usually after a criminal conviction. The associations’ spokesman did not comment due to the ongoing investigation. The Ministry of Justice stated that a JP can only be suspended or removed from office by the Governor-General upon the appointing minister’s recommendation. No charges have been laid against the JP as of yet.
Everything is in decline
Standards are dropping everywhere
Check Your Bank Statements
Have cell phone verification or other on account withdrawals
Never give out account details because they are never asked for