A series of search warrants has been executed in Auckland, Christchurch, and Melbourne, Australia in relation to a joint law enforcement investigation into suspected breaches of the Russia Sanctions Act 2022 and Australian autonomous sanctions.
Following a referral from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), a joint Police and Customs investigation began in New Zealand in December 2025 into the activities of three companies suspected of committing offences under the Act.
The offending under investigation relates to the alleged export of prohibited assets, which is an offence under regulation 13 of the Russia Sanctions Regulations 2022.
Following a referral from New Zealand Customs Service, Australian Border Force (ABF) commenced its own enquiries into the alleged unlawful export of sanctioned goods from Australia which imposes autonomous sanctions in relation to Russia.
After search warrants were executed on Monday 22 June in Auckland and Christchurch, Police carried out further search warrants in Christchurch last Friday.
Those warrants were executed in coordination with warrants carried out in Melbourne by Australian Border Force and Australian Federal Police with support from the Australian Sanctions Office (DFAT).
In addition to the criminal investigation, the Financial Crime Group’s Asset Recovery Unit has obtained a restraining order under the Criminal Proceeds Recovery Act 2009 for a residential property in Christchurch.
Detective Inspector Christiaan Barnard of the New Zealand Police Financial Crime Group says Police are reminding businesses that compliance with all sanctions, including those under the Russia Sanctions Act, is a legal requirement.
“All New Zealand companies must understand their obligations, assess potential exposure to sanctioned activities, and implement robust due diligence processes to ensure they do not unlawfully export or deal in prohibited assets,” he says.
“Resources and guidance are available on the websites for Police, Customs, and MFAT. While much of this guidance is directed at duty holders, it is also useful for all businesses to better understand the risks.”
ABF Inspector Jessica Frezza says that as Australia’s frontline border agency, the ABF remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade, implementing a dedicated end-to-end sanctions enforcement function.
“The ABF works closely with domestic and international agencies to detect, deter and disrupt the movement of illicit and sanctioned goods across the border,” Inspector Frezza says.
“Through these close strategic partnerships, the ABF continues to target and investigate potential criminal activity, ensuring our community’s interests are protected and our global commitments on sanctioned goods are upheld.”
New Zealand Police can confirm that no charges have been filed in relation to this matter at this stage, however enquiries are ongoing. Suppression orders remain in place under sections 200(2)(g) and 205(2)(e) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 in relation to a previous court proceeding that has since been withdrawn.
Oh what good little US stooges! Running around like clowns, wasting tax payer dollars, bothering businesses and generally making fools of themselves, all to keep the US and its globalist masters happy by intimidating anyone exporting to Russia.