RWC ticket fraud foiled

Close co-operation between New Zealand Police, Customs and Immigration has led to the cracking of an organised crime group which fraudulently purchased Rugby World Cup 2011 tickets.

The ticket purchases were made from outside New Zealand using false credit card details.

Detective Superintendent Andy Lovelock says Police in Auckland have worked closely with Immigration and Customs staff to identify and apprehend a number of people involved in the ticket fraud.

Over the past week, six people were intercepted at points of entry, or on their way to New Zealand, interviewed and turned away by customs and immigration staff.

Today Auckland Police executed search warrants on two properties and recovered a 933 of Rugby World Cup tickets and cash. The tickets had a combined value of more than $500,000 and were for a range of matches throughout the tournament.

Two men have been arrested and charged with being part of an organised criminal enterprise. They appeared in the Auckland District Court this afternoon.

Detective Superintendent Lovelock says Police also worked working closely with Rugby World Cup officials since the fraud was initially detected. This resulted in the fraudulently purchased tickets being made void by Rugby World Cup Limited.

"Initial analysis indicated Police have recovered the majority of the tickets which were fraudulently purchased. Rugby world Cup 2011 tournament organisers will be working with Police on any issues occurring at match venues which might involve any remaining dishonestly obtained tickets.

"This will help us gather more information as part of our ongoing investigation.

"This is a really significant result for Police and the other agencies, and it is a credit to everyone who has been involved. It should send a clear signal we have the systems and capability to detect and prosecute this kind of offending," says Mr Lovelock.

ENDS

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