Financial Crime World

New Zealand’s Financial Crime Investigation Methods Uncovered: A Look Inside the Financial Crime Group’s Operations

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New Zealand’s Financial Crime Group (FCG) has developed a range of investigation methods to detect and disrupt criminal activity, combatting financial crime in the country. The FCG is comprised of three key units:

Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)

The FIU plays a crucial role in:

  • Receiving, analyzing, and disseminating financial intelligence
  • Assisting with the detection and investigation of money laundering, terrorism financing, and other serious offenses
  • Generating intelligence products
  • Providing policy advice
  • Conducting outreach and training for law enforcement agencies

Asset Recovery Units (ARUs)

The ARUs were established in 2009 to:

  • Implement the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act
  • Disrupt, deter, and derail crime by denying criminals access to the proceeds of their illegal activities
  • Investigate cases using complex forensic accountancy and financial analysis processes
  • Collaborate with other government agencies

Money Laundering Team (MLT)

The MLT was established in 2017 to:

  • Investigate criminal offenders moving the proceeds of predicate offending
  • Disrupt and dismantle facilitators assisting organized criminal groups to hide illicit funds
  • Work closely with government partners and provide support and advice to Police Districts and external partners

Financial Crime Prevention Network (FCPN)

The FCPN is a public-private partnership between financial institutions and law enforcement agencies to prevent financial crime. The network has launched a work plan to produce strategic typology products covering various topics, including:

  • Child exploitation
  • Trade-based money laundering

Investigation Methods

The FCG’s investigation methods are designed to tackle the complex web of financial crimes that plague New Zealand. These methods include:

  • Forensic accountancy and financial analysis
  • Policy advice
  • Training for law enforcement agencies
  • Collaboration with other government agencies

By disrupting criminal activity and protecting the country’s financial system, the FCG is dedicated to ensuring a safer and more secure financial environment in New Zealand.