11 September 2007

Fraud Investigation Not To Fall By The Wayside

New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark has welcomed the announcement of the establishment of a new Organised Crime Agency, but is seeking assurance that the expansion of the focus on serious organised crime and the increase in police resourcing to target this type of crime won't be to the detriment of fraud investigation.

"New Zealand First's main issue of concern is that the new agency will not deviate from their responsibilities and will use the extra resources to investigate fraud and commercial fraud in addition to organised crime.

"Submissions to the ministerial review of the Police Act and to the law and order select committee's financial review of Police have indicated very clearly that police are not investigating fraud due to a lack of expertise and time. Many complainants have been advised to take their case to civil prosecution.

"New Zealand First has long advocated for expanding police resources and capabilities to include dedicated squads for serious crime, organised crime and fraud, and we commend the Government on working towards a nationally coordinated strategy lead by police headquarters as opposed to the piecemeal, as-you-feel-like-it approach taken by police amongst various districts.

"We hope that the extra resources being provided to the new Organised Crime Agency ensure that police are not only able to tackle organised crime, but that they are able to meet their responsibilities for investigating commercial fraud perpetrated against ordinary citizens," concluded Mr Mark.

ENDS

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