Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, August 27, 2024
In a landmark decision, the Auckland High Court has ruled in favour of New Zealand Police, ordering the forfeiture of nearly $15 million in assets and property linked to the notorious Head Hunters gang. Among the assets seized is the gang’s infamous Mt Wellington headquarters, marking a significant victory for law enforcement in their ongoing battle against organised crime.
Decade long investigation
The court’s decision comes after one of the most extensive and complex investigations ever undertaken by New Zealand Police, known as Operation Coin. The investigation, which spanned nearly a decade, targeted the financial activities of the Head Hunters Motorcycle Gang, particularly their East Chapter based in Mt Wellington.
Police Commissioner Andrew Coster announced the forfeiture orders, amounting to a total of $14.8 million, against Wayne Doyle, the President of the Head Hunters, under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act.
“I am delighted with today’s decision, which is substantial and deals a blow to the operations of the Head Hunters’ largest chapter, based in East Auckland,” said Mr Coster. “This sends a very clear message to all gangs and organised crime groups profiting from the misery they create in our communities – Police will come for you.”
Seized assets
The assets forfeited under the High Court’s ruling include several high-value properties across Auckland, such as the gang’s East Chapter headquarters at 232 Marua Road in Mt Wellington, as well as properties in Freeman’s Bay, New Lynn, and additional locations in Mt Wellington. In addition, around $275,000 in cash discovered during a 2017 search warrant at the Marua Road headquarters will be forfeited to the Crown, along with funds held in two bank accounts and a vehicle.
“This proceeding was one of the most lengthy and complex ever undertaken by the Asset Recovery Unit,” Mr Coster noted. “This is part of a sustained focus across Police on targeting and disrupting the operations of organised criminal groups through the means available to us, whether through criminal or civil proceedings.”
Criminal operations
The court’s decision is a decisive affirmation of the findings from Operation Coin, which detailed Mr Doyle’s involvement in organised crime. The investigation revealed that Mr Doyle, as a leader within the gang, played a significant role in promoting and profiting from the criminal activities of its members, who were required to pay a portion of their illicit earnings to him.
“Today’s decision confirms what Police have long known – that Mr Doyle sits at the pinnacle of the Head Hunters and holds an extremely influential position,” Mr Coster stated. “He established the East Chapter of the Head Hunters to facilitate and profit from the criminal activities of its members.”
The High Court’s ruling further underscores the fact that the Head Hunters Motorcycle Gang operates as an organised criminal group, with numerous members engaging in drug trafficking and violent property offenses for profit. The decision is the culmination of nearly seven years of collaborative efforts between the Asset Recovery Unit and the Auckland Crown Solicitor.
“I want to acknowledge the staff involved for their perseverance and dedication,” he added. “I would also like to recognise the efforts of the counsel for the Commissioner at the office of the Auckland Crown Solicitor during a complex period of litigation.”
This ruling represents a significant milestone in New Zealand Police’s ongoing efforts to dismantle organised crime networks and strip them of their illicit wealth.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
