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New advisory group to target organised crime announced

Organised crime advisory group news
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The government has established a Ministerial Advisory Group on transnational and serious organised crime, announced Associate Police Minister Casey Costello.

The group aims to enhance cross-agency collaboration in combating the growing threat posed by domestic and international crime syndicates. By involving agencies like ACC, WorkSafe, Inland Revenue, Immigration, and MPI alongside law enforcement, the initiative seeks to disrupt criminal supply chains, financial networks, and exploitative practices. The advisory group will operate for eight months, funded by the Proceeds of Crime Fund, and chaired by Steve Symon, a senior partner at Meredith Connell with expertise in transnational crime.

The group will focus on improving systemic responses, enhancing information sharing, and addressing barriers to inter-agency cooperation to dismantle organised crime operations. The illicit drug trade alone costs New Zealand $1.5 billion in social harm annually, underscoring the need for decisive action. Minister Costello highlighted the importance of targeting sham businesses, improving investigations, and leveraging regulatory tools to make New Zealand inhospitable for organised crime.

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