Operation Valour Update

New Zealand Police National News Release

27 June 2008

"The Operation Valour investigation has made some very good progress in recent months." stated Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Bensemann, Officer in Charge of Operation Valour investigation.

The Operation Valour team, which consists of six investigators, who are committed full time to the investigation, are now based out of Palmerston North Police Station and continue to work between Palmerston North and Auckland. A large proportion of the investigation time, on a weekly basis, is spent in the Auckland area.

In respect of the Operation Valour reward which expired on 1 June 2008, Detective Senior Sergeant Bensemann stated "we are mindful of Lord Ashcroft's generosity; however in terms of the options available we are not looking to renew the reward notice at this point in time. Activation of the reward may be renewed in due course or at a time that the investigation team deems it appropriate."

Detective Senior Sergeant Bensemann stated "I am really comfortable with the way in which the investigation is progressing. We remain fully committed to this investigation and are anticipating a positive outcome."

The investigation team continues to gather information which is assisting this investigation and there is no lack of avenues of enquiry for the investigators involved.

In respect of the forensic examination of the stolen medals, Detective Senior Sergeant Bensemann stated "the ESR examination is nearly complete and I expect to have confirmation of this within the very near future."

Chris Bensemann

Detective Senior Sergeant

O/C Operation Valour

27 June 2008

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