Search warrants have been carried out in Auckland, Christchurch and Melbourne as part of a joint law enforcement investigation into suspected breaches of the Russia Sanctions Act 2022 and Australian autonomous sanctions.

The investigation relates to the alleged export of prohibited assets, which is an offence under regulation 13 of the Russia Sanctions Regulations 2022.

New Zealand Police and Customs began the investigation in December 2025 after a referral from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade into the activities of three companies suspected of committing offences under the Act.

Australian Border Force also began its own enquiries after a referral from the New Zealand Customs Service into the alleged unlawful export of sanctioned goods from Australia.

Search warrants were carried out in Auckland and Christchurch on Monday 22 June, with Police carrying out further search warrants in Christchurch last Friday.

The warrants were coordinated with warrants carried out in Melbourne by Australian Border Force and Australian Federal Police, with support from the Australian Sanctions Office.

As part of the investigation, the Financial Crime Group’s Asset Recovery Unit has obtained a restraining order under the Criminal Proceeds Recovery Act 2009 over a residential property in Christchurch.

Detective Inspector Christiaan Barnard of the New Zealand Police Financial Crime Group said businesses were being reminded that compliance with all sanctions, including those under the Russia Sanctions Act, was a legal requirement.

“All New Zealand companies must understand their obligations, assess potential exposure to sanctioned activities, and implement robust due diligence processes to ensure they do not unlawfully export or deal in prohibited assets,” Barnard said.

“Resources and guidance are available on the websites for Police, Customs, and MFAT. While much of this guidance is directed at duty holders, it is also useful for all businesses to better understand the risks.”

ABF Inspector Jessica Frezza said the agency remained committed to legitimate trade and sanctions enforcement.

“The ABF works closely with domestic and international agencies to detect, deter and disrupt the movement of illicit and sanctioned goods across the border,” Frezza said.

“Through these close strategic partnerships, the ABF continues to target and investigate potential criminal activity, ensuring our community’s interests are protected and our global commitments on sanctioned goods are upheld.”

Police said no charges had been filed at this stage and enquiries were ongoing.

Suppression orders remain in place under sections 200(2)(g) and 205(2)(e) of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 in relation to a previous court proceeding that has since been withdrawn.