Police raids in NZ and Australia over alleged Russia sanctions breaches

Author: NZ Herald,
Publish Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2026, 4:08pm

Police searches in New Zealand and across the ditch have been executed amid an investigation into alleged breaches of the Russia Sanctions Act 2022 and Australian autonomous sanctions.

Police said the specific offending under investigation was related to the alleged export of “prohibited assets”.

A joint police and Customs probe began in December last year after a referral from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

As part of this investigation, police recently searched multiple locations in Auckland, Christchurch, and Melbourne in Australia.

Police said the investigation looked into the activities of three companies suspected of committing offences under the Act.

“Following a referral from New Zealand Customs Service, Australian Border Force (ABF) commenced its own inquiries into the alleged unlawful export of sanctioned goods from Australia, which imposes autonomous sanctions in relation to Russia,” police said.

After searches last Monday in Auckland and Christchurch, police carried out further searches in Christchurch on Friday.

“Those warrants were executed in co-ordination with warrants carried out in Melbourne by Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Federal Police, with support from the Australian Sanctions Office (DFAT),” police said.

Police said the Financial Crime Group’s Asset Recovery Unit obtained a restraining order for a residential property in Christchurch under the Criminal Proceeds Recovery Act 2009.

Detective Inspector Christiaan Barnard, from the Financial Crime Group, said police wanted to remind businesses that compliance with all sanctions, including those under the Russia Sanctions Act, was a legal requirement.

Police said Auckland, Christchurch, and Melbourne searches were carried out. Photo / NZME

“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,” Barnard said.

He said resources and guidance were available on the police, Customs, and MFAT websites.

ABF Inspector Jessica Frezza said that as Australia’s frontline border agency, they were committed to facilitating legitimate trade.

“The ABF works closely with domestic and international agencies to detect, deter and disrupt the movement of illicit and sanctioned goods across the border,” Frezza said.

New Zealand police said no charges have been filed, but inquiries remained ongoing.

Suppression orders are 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.