New Zealand launches board to fight organised crime

New Zealand’s Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) Chief Executive Board has held its inaugural meeting. Announced by Associate Police Minister Casey Costello, the board aims to improve governance and coordination across various government agencies to combat organized crime.

The board is co-chaired by Customs Comptroller Christine Stevenson and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers. Permanent members include chief executives from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Inland Revenue, the Department of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Minister Costello stated that New Zealand is facing increased targeting by criminal groups involved in the supply of drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine, cannabis cultivation, and international scam centers. The board is intended to address systemic issues, including money laundering, migrant exploitation, and information sharing between agencies.