Police investigating suspected breaches of sanctions against Russia

A police investigation is underway into suspected breaches of sanctions against Russia, RNZ can reveal.

RNZ approached police for comment after learning of the investigation on Monday morning.

In a statement to RNZ on Monday evening, Financial Crime Group director Detective Superintendent Dave Lynch confirmed police were investigating "alleged breaches of the Russia Sanctions Act".

"As part of this investigation, operational activity has been undertaken, including the execution of search warrants at locations in Auckland and Christchurch.

"Items relevant to the investigation were seized under the Search and Surveillance Act."

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Lynch said police were unable to provide further comment at this time.

RNZ approached police on Monday morning in relation to a charge a man in his 60s faced.

Court documents seen by RNZ said a man, aged in his 60s, was accused of recklessly breaching a sanction by supplying a company with goods "knowing or being reckless that the [goods] were destined for Russia".

The man was scheduled to appear in court on Monday, however, a court spokesperson told RNZ there was no record of the matter in its system.

Police were approached for comment on the man's charges.

The charges were withdrawn and, then - in an unusual step - police sought suppression in relation to the man they had initially charged. A judge granted suppression of the man's name and evidence in conjunction to the charge.

In a statement Lynch said police could confirm that no charges were currently before the court in connection with this matter.

"Suppression orders are in place under sections 200(2)(g) and 205(2)(e) of the Criminal Procedure Act relating to a previous court proceeding that has been withdrawn."

The man told RNZ he was unaware of any court matter and was currently overseas.

The charge was laid under the Russia Sanctions Act 2022.

The charge carried a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)'s website said the Russia Sanctions Act was passed by Parliament in March 2022 and gave the Minister of Foreign Affairs the ability to "impose sanctions in response to threats to the sovereignty or territorial integrity of Ukraine or another country".

"The Act and its Regulations place a range of obligations on New Zealanders persons (including and New Zealand-based businesses, individuals and entities) by prohibiting or restricting specific activities.

"New Zealand has imposed seven types of prohibitions: travel bans; transport bans; prohibitions relating to assets, securities, services; and measures relating to exports and imports. In addition to sanctioning individuals and entities from Russia, New Zealand has placed sanctions on individuals and entities from Iran, North Korea and Belarus that are assisting Russia in its aggression."

MFAT has also been approached for comment.