WELLINGTON, June 24 (NNN-AGENCIES) – A significant government milestone has been reached, with 500 million NZ dollars (353 million U.S. dollars) in cash and assets, seized from gangs and criminals by police, over the past four years, Police Minister, Poto Williams said, today.
“Gangs should not be making money from exploiting our communities,” Williams said, adding, the government will not tolerate organised crime and gangs, and is working hard to disrupt them.
“Today’s milestone furthers our commitment to hitting gangs where it hurts – their pockets,” the minister said, adding, in the last four years alone, approximately 1.6 billion NZ dollars (1.13 billion U.S. dollars) have been removed from the illicit economy.
The government will also amend the Proceeds of Crime legislation, so those involved in organised crime would have to demonstrate their assets were obtained through legitimate means or lose them, the police minister said.– NNN-AGENCIES
