$300k digger among seized gang assets

Police Minister Judith Collins said the strangest asset was a $300,000 digger. Photo / Richard Robinson

Lifestyle blocks, farms and a $300,000 construction digger are not what many would consider typical gang possessions - but they are among the gang assets police have seized.

The police asset recovery unit, using legislation passed last year to seize gang assets they suspect were gained illegally, has investigated 140 cases and seized $51 million in assets since December.

The details were revealed at the National Party's annual conference this weekend.

Among the assets seized were cash and bank accounts worth $13.5 million, 38 residential and commercial properties worth $15.5 million, nine lifestyle blocks and farms worth $8.4 million, and vehicles worth $600,000.

Police Minister Judith Collins said the law and the unit were working excellently, and the diversity of the assets showed that gang members did not always fit the stereotype.

"People need to get their heads around the fact that gang members are not just people who dress up in intimidating outfits with tattoos all over themselves. Some of them are in suits."

She said the strangest asset was a $300,000 digger.

Under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act passed last year, police can freeze the assets and profits of gangs or organised crime which they believe were obtained illegally.

Previously, the assets would pass to the Crown only on conviction, but the new law means the test is a balance of probabilities. "Already police are receiving feedback that criminals are too afraid to spend their profits because they know there is a good chance it will end up in the hands of the Crown," Ms Collins said.

"These successes are proof that our policy is having an impact on the drugs trade and the criminal gangs that run it."

Frozen assets are passed to the Official Assignee while investigations proceed. At present $19.7 million of assets are with the Official Assignee and may end up being sold.

"So there could well be some personal bargains going soon - lifestyle blocks and diggers," Ms Collins said.

The proceeds go to a pool of funds which is then bid on by either police, the Health Ministry or Customs and used for projects to combat gangs and P.

Ms Collins expected bidding to begin at the next Budget in May.

"It's a great irony and it really does help the police, customs and health to deliver on some of those priorities."

Spoils of crime

The police asset recovery unit has seized $51 million in gang assets since December, including:

* Cash - $13.5 million

* 38 residential and commercial properties - $15.5 million

* Nine lifestyle blocks and farms - $8.4 million

* Vehicles - $600,000, including a digger worth $300,000