The company planned to appeal the findings.
The freezing order against the company and its directors had been made after the company's Nelson and Christchurch restaurants were sold.
In its statement, the MBIE said its Labour Inspectorate believed the company directors were planning to leave the country permanently or to dissipate their assets.
An application was made to the Employment Court and a freezing order, to the amount of the outstanding debt, was granted on April 5, 2016.
Once the company paid the debt the freezing order was lifted.
Labour Inspectorate Wellington regional manager Kevin Finnegan said the exploitation of workers would not be tolerated.
"The Inspectorate will use all legal avenues available to ensure those determined to escape their financial and legal responsibilities are held to account."
He said MBIE was working proactively to crack down on employment law breaches.
From April 1, 2016, most serious breaches can carry penalties of up to $50,000 for an individual and the greater of $100,000 or three times the financial gain for a company.
MBIE encourages anyone in the situation of being exploited or who knows of anyone in this situation, to call its contact centre on 0800 20 90 20 where their concerns will be handled in a safe environment.
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