Auckland (The NZ Today)
Police have seized more than $1 million in assets linked to a long-running operation that helped overseas nationals breach their visa conditions by working in New Zealand’s sex industry.
The asset recovery action follows an Immigration New Zealand investigation that began in 2023 and later led to the convictions of Maristela De Souza and Michael James Sloan.
The pair were sentenced by the High Court in 2024 for their roles in enabling Brazilian nationals on temporary visas to undertake paid sex work in New Zealand.
Authorities say the offending generated more than $1.2 million in unlawful benefit.
Following further court proceedings, two residential properties, a boat, cash holdings and proceeds from the sale of a vehicle were ordered forfeited under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009.
Police say the assets ultimately seized are valued at approximately $1.05 million.
Police Asset Recovery Unit specialist investigator Bede Arbuckle said the seizure marked the final stage of a significant joint investigation involving Police and Immigration New Zealand.
He said the case involved a long-running operation that facilitated breaches of visa conditions and generated substantial financial benefit from unlawful activity.
The High Court found the offending had undermined the integrity of New Zealand’s immigration system, created unlawful profit and increased the risk of exploitation for migrant workers.
Immigration New Zealand’s National Manager Investigations, Immigration Compliance and Investigations, Jason Perry, said the outcome reflected close cooperation between immigration investigators and Police.
He said authorities hoped the case would deter others from becoming involved in similar offending and reinforced that people who profit from unlawful activity could face both criminal penalties and the loss of assets.
Police say criminal proceeds recovery is intended to remove the financial incentive behind offending and prevent people from retaining property or wealth gained through illegal activity.
Source: New Zealand Police
