Former minister to fight SFO charges

Former immigration and customs minister Tuariki John Delamere says he will defend charges brought against him by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).

Delamere confirmed yesterday he had been under investigation by the SFO for 18 months over activities of companies he was associated with.

The companies included New Zealand Golden Harvest Investment and Trust Ltd.

He said in a statement to the Dominion Post newspaper he did not believe he or anyone associated with Golden Harvest had done anything illegal.

He would vigorously defend himself against the charges.

The SFO would not comment on the case.

Delamere set himself up as an immigration consultant after losing his parliamentary seat in 1999.

The SFO inquiry cleared former Cabinet minister and current Labour MP John Tamihere.

- NZPA