Hells Angels in court over fake debt collection

Three Hells Angels gang members were among four men arrested in Auckland in an operation targeting unlawful debt collection. Photo / file

Three Hells Angels' gang members were among four men arrested in Auckland this morning in an operation to target unlawful debt collection.

Two warrants were executed at addresses in Helensville, one in Manukau and one in Auckland city in an operation led by the Organised & Financial Crime Agency New Zealand (OFCANZ).

Three rifles and 650 rounds of ammunition were found hidden at one of the Helensville addresses and scene examinations are continuing at all the properties.

This follows complaints about debt collection agencies Dirty Debtors and Rapid Recovery.

Andrew Joseph Sisson, 51, and Nathan Scott Hampton-Burgess, 21, appeared in North Shore District court this afternoon.

The pair were jointly charged with participating in a organised criminal group and robbery.

Sisson, a senior Hells Angels leader, was also charged with possession of ammunition and three firearms, another robbery charge, stealing a ute worth $20,000, intent to obtain property dishonestly and entering a building with intent to commit a crime.

He was remanded in custody over the weekend and is due to reappear in court to apply for bail on Monday.

Hampton-Burgess, a gang associate, was released on strict bail conditions including to not meet up with patched gang members.

Two other Hells Angels, Kishor Chandra Singh and Wayne Brendon Franklyn, appeared in Manukau District Court charged with aggravated robbery and participating in an organised crime group.

Singh, 40, was remanded in custody but police did not oppose bail for Franklyn, 39.

Detective Inspector Grant Wormald of OFCANZ says there are a number of people claiming to be debt collectors who trade on their membership of a gang.

"More often than not the gangs are used to collect debts in the knowledge that people will pay up through fear and intimidation.

"It is a crime when money is extorted or property taken from people in this way.

"Anyone acting as a debt collection agent needs to know the law and only engage in recovery work which is lawful.

"OFCANZ would like to hear from anyone who has concerns about their experiences with either Dirty Debtors or Rapid Recovery.

"People may have had visits from these two companies seeking to recover money or assets. Alternatively people may have paid for the service and received little, if any, tangible result for the fee paid'' said Mr Wormald.

Today's operation is part of the ongoing focus by OFCANZ and police to disrupt the illegal activities of gangs.

"People should be left in no doubt that these gangs are heavily involved in organised crime and they should be wary of having any business or social dealings with them,'' said Mr Wormald.

Anyone with information about illegal debt collection activity involving Dirty Debtors or Rapid Recovery can contact Detective Inspector Wormald at OFCANZ or give information anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.