More than a million dollars' worth of assets have been seized by police following a 2023 investigation by Immigration NZ into unlawful sex work by overseas nationals in New Zealand.
A 2024 High Court sentenced Maristela De Souza and Michael James Sloan for their roles in enabling Brazilian nationals to work as sex workers while in the country on temporary visas. That followed several years’ work by immigration investigators.
Subsequently the Courts found that the offenders had derived more than $1.2 million in unlawful benefit from the offending, and ordered the forfeiture of two residential properties, a boat, cash holdings and vehicle sale proceeds under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009.
Police Asset Recovery Unit Specialist Investigator, Bede Arbuckle, says the seizure of assets valued at approximately $1.05 million is the last piece of a significant joint investigation involving New Zealand Police and Immigration New Zealand.
“We uncovered a long-running operation that assisted foreign nationals to breach visa conditions by engaging in paid sex work,” he says.
"Criminal proceeds recovery is about ensuring people cannot profit from unlawful activity. When offenders lose the assets and wealth gained through crime, it sends a clear message that illegal enterprises do not pay.”
The High Court found the offending undermined New Zealand's immigration system, enabled unlawful financial gain, and exposed migrant workers to an increased risk of exploitation.
National Manager Investigations, Immigration Compliance and Investigations, Jason Perry, says the outcome is a credit to the team work of both investigators and the Police.
“We hope outcomes like this deter others from becoming involved in similar offending and will continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure those who benefit from unlawful activity are held accountable.”
Removing the financial incentives of crime enables authorities to disrupt criminal enterprises, protect vulnerable people and safeguard the integrity of New Zealand's immigration and regulatory systems.
“The forfeiture order and seizure of assets reflects the continued commitment of Police and partner agencies to identify, restrain and recover assets linked to significant criminal activity,” says Mr Arbuckle.