Raids in relation to suspected breaches of sanctions against Russia carried out by police

Police in New Zealand and Australia have carried out a series of raids in relation to suspected breaches of sanctions against Russia.

No charges have been laid, however New Zealand police obtained a restraining order for a property in Christchurch.

RNZ earlier revealed a police investigation was under way into suspected breaches of sanctions against Russia.

On Monday, police confirmed raids had been carried out in Auckland, Christchurch and Melbourne in relation to a "joint law enforcement investigation" into suspected breaches of sanctions against Russia.

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"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 the Australian Border Force (ABF) began its own inquiries into the alleged unlawful export of sanctioned goods from Australia which imposes "autonomous sanctions in relation to Russia".

Police earlier carried out search warrants in Auckland and Christchurch on June 22. On Friday, police undertook further raids in Christchurch.

"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)," police said.

"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."

New Zealand Police Financial Crime Group's Detective Inspector Christiaan Barnard said police were reminding businesses that compliance with all sanctions was 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 said that ABF was 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.

"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."

Police said no charges have been laid, however inquiries were ongoing.

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."