CERT NZ’s latest report, released today, shows a 65% increase in reports of cyber security incidents over the past year, with an associated $16.9 million in direct financial losses.

Read the full article here.

Interpol, on Tuesday 9 February 2021, issued a global alert for a New Zealand banker wanted by Germany in connection with a massive tax fraud scheme.

The agency based in Lyon, France, posted a 'red notice' on its website seeking information on the whereabouts of 53-year-old Paul Robert Mora, who is suspected of facilitating and concealing fraudulent transactions worth more than 113 million euros ($190 million).

Read the entire NZ Herald article here. 

A Tauranga man thought he had turned $3000 into $31,000 in just weeks through cryptocurrency, but he now knows he’ll never see a cent of it.

Bruce Harding believes he has fallen foul of a pushy cryptocurrency scam that took him for thousands of dollars but could have cost him more had he not stopped.

CERT NZ, warns scams involving cryptocurrency or fake traders are becoming more and more common in New Zealand.

Harding is sharing his misadventure in the hopes others do not fall into the same trap. Read the full article here.

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has welcomed two court decisions that will see victims of convicted fraudsters Steven Robertson and Rodney McCall receive a portion of their money back. Mr McCall has also been sentenced to 12 months’ home detention for his crimes.

See the full media release here

The Serious Fraud Office has brought fraud charges against Roger Pikia, the chairman of Te Arawa River Iwi Trust (TARIT) and its investment company THL Limited (THL).

Mr Pikia (52) did not enter a plea when he appeared in the Auckland District Court today. He is charged with ‘Obtaining by deception’, ‘Corrupt acceptance of gift by an agent’, ‘Receiving a secret reward for procuring a contract’, ‘Perverting the course of justice’ and ‘Conspiracy to commit an offence’. 

See full SFO Media Release here