Man Arrested as Police Seize Kawerau Property

Police said a property in Kawerau was succesfully seized after lengthy court proceedings involving former high level gang members.

Police have seized the property occupied by the son of a former Mongrel Mob President in Kawerau today. 

Bay of Plenty District Criminal Investigations Manager Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow said Police supported the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employement (MBIE) in taking possession of the property. 

The property was forfeited following a lengthy court process pursuant to the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009.

Pilbrow said police will continue to have an increased presence in the Newall Street area while staff assist MBIE to take possession of the property.

During the operation, a 34-year-old man was taken into custody, pursuant to an arrest warrant.

The man is set to appear in the Rotorua High Court later today on a charge of contempt of court.

“Police remain committed to targeting assets that are obtained by criminal behaviour.

“We want to reassure our communities that Police will also continue to target and disrupt groups and individuals that align themselves with those who profit from the proceeds of crime,” said Pilbrow.

The property was seized as part of lengthy court proceedings following Operation Notus in 2018.  

“The 2018 operation was launched to target the distribution of methamphetamine by the Kawerau chapter of the Mongrel Mob."

More than 50 arrests were made and $4 million in assets were restrained during the operation.