29 November 2013

Man arrested for importing credit card details

An Auckland man is before the courts facing 59 charges relating to the importation and fraudulent use of credit card details.

The 21-year-old was arrested by Customs officers last Friday for importing 24 separate credit card details that were found in his possession on his return to New Zealand.

Customs Manager Investigations Maurice O’Brien says it’s an offence to import other people’s credit cards details into the country for illegitimate purposes, and Customs could arrest and prosecute offenders.

The man was returning to Auckland after overseas work experience in Russia when Customs found photocopies of credit card details belonging to different individuals during a baggage examination, and further evidence during subsequent enquiries.

Goods that are brought into the country with intent to facilitate a crime involving dishonesty are considered prohibited under the Customs and Excise Act.

“Customs takes this type of offending very seriously and our officers at the border are vigilant to identify these types of travellers,” Mr O’Brien says.

Further investigations also connected the offender to several fraudulent purchases using the copied credit card details, including concert tickets and electronic devices, leading to additional Crimes Act charges being laid.

The man is currently on bail and will reappear in court on 18 December.

-ends-

© Scoop Media