Rogue security operator convicted and fined

Rogue security operator convicted and fined for unlicensed security work

An individual repeatedly providing security services without a licence has been handed a conviction and large fine.

Sean Micheals also known as Seu Ilai Taleni, 56, was convicted and fined $18,000 in the Manukau District Court for offences under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010.

Mr Micheals pled guilty to operating security services without a licence under the businesses Corporate Group International Limited, Corporate Protection and Security International Limited and HD Security Services Limited.

Corporate Protection and Security International Limited was prosecuted for a similar offence in 2014 when Mr Micheals was an officer of the company.

Marty Greentree, Chief Investigator with the Complaints, Investigation and Prosecution Unit at the Department of Internal Affairs says anyone wanting to carry out security related functions is required by law to first obtain a licence from the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority.

“The requirement for a security licence helps protect New Zealanders and security operators by ensuring service providers are trusted, trained, and comply with the law.”

“Security services are often in positions of authority and having unlicensed cowboys in the industry puts the public at real risk. If people break the law, we will catch them.”

“This individual not only took advantage of his clients, but also their employees who became victims of his unethical business practices,” says Mr Greentree.

ENDS

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