A 26-year-old English national has been arrested by the Wellington Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) in connection with a series of fraud offences targeting the elderly and vulnerable.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch said “In light of the offending, New Zealand Police have one key message; We will never ask you for money under any circumstances.”
The alleged offences occurred over the past 10 days throughout the wider Wellington district, including Hutt Valley, Porirua, Ōtaki, and Wellington City. Victims were deceived into handing over thousands of dollars in cash and gold to scammers.
The scam typically begins with a cold call from someone claiming to be a police officer. The caller informs the victim of dishonest activities at banks and gold exchanges and asks for their help in catching the supposed dishonest employees. Believing they are aiding the police, victims are instructed to withdraw cash or purchase gold, which is then collected by a person posing as a police courier.
At least 17 victims have reported being contacted by this criminal group, many of whom have handed over substantial amounts of money or gold. The total value of the stolen currency is estimated to be several hundred thousand dollars.
A search of the suspect’s accommodation led to the recovery of large amounts of cash and gold, believed to be proceeds from the fraudulent activities. The suspect is set to appear in the Wellington District Court today, facing eight charges of obtaining by deception, three charges of attempting to obtain by deception, and one charge of resisting arrest.
Police believe the scam is being coordinated by offenders offshore who direct local “couriers” to collect the stolen items. Despite the recent arrest, it is likely the scam will continue.
Police urge the public to remain vigilant. They reiterate that police will never ask individuals to withdraw money or request banking details, card numbers, PINs, or passwords. Older and vulnerable community members are particularly targeted, and police encourage anyone with elderly relatives to inform them of this scam.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of this scam or received suspicious calls, please contact Police on 105 and reference Operation Bourbon File 240731/0649.