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Police fraud squad investigators have been handed a file into the alleged disappearance of more than $1 million from a car importing firm previously managed by the father of slain Auckland teenager Liam Ashley.
Police confirmed last week they had received a complaint alleging major fraud at an
Auckland car importing company.
They refused to detail the nature of the complaint, or name those allegedly involved, saying only the matter had been referred to fraud squad investigators for further inquiry.
However, Herald on Sunday sources have confirmed the company at the centre of the fraud allegations is Milano International (NZ) Ltd - a car importing firm based in Mt Wellington which up until recently was managed by Ian Ashley, the father of murdered North Shore teenager Liam Ashley.
Ashley said he was aware of the fraud allegations and that a private investigator had been called in, but he stressed he was not involved. "I know the difference between right and wrong," he said.
Ashley said the only reason he had left the company was the death of his son. He said his departure had nothing to do with the fraud allegations.
"I no longer want to be involved in the car industry. It is not the right place for someone like me to be involved in," he said. "People are doing things wrong in the importation of motor cars in this country."
Ashley said a private investigator had carried out an investigation into goings-on at Milano International (NZ) Ltd - and Ashley said there were now people who were trying to "dump me into this".
Ashley and Milano International (NZ) Ltd parted company shortly after Liam died, after he was attacked by George Charlie Baker, 25, in the back of a security van which was transporting him and other prisoners from North Shore District Court to Mt Eden Remand Centre.
An investigation into Liam's death was supposed to be completed in October, but last week the Corrections Department announced delays with the release of its findings.
The Herald on Sunday understands Milano International (NZ) Ltd lodged a complaint with police last week after a report by a private investigator probing the alleged disappearance of more than $1 million.
The nature of the alleged fraud is believed to be wide-ranging, but apparently includes cars being sold for cash without ever going through the company's books.
The company's managing director Sumnesh Kumar was overseas and could not be reached for comment.
A police spokeswoman said the fraud complaint would be assessed to see whether the matter should be taken further.
Milano International (NZ) Ltd, a division of Japanese firm Royal International Co Ltd, has been operating in Auckland for the past five and a half years. It supplies New Zealand motor vehicle dealers and traders with used vehicles from Japan.
